I have the first three entries and knew about the series since I was a kid. Super Metroid was the first one I owned but I played the original Metroid before that. I've played Fusion and a bit of the Prime series as well but wasn't impressed enough to go out of my way to pick either up. Been tempted by Other M just to see if it's as terrible as everyone says it is.

Super Metroid is easily my favorite entry in the series and really gave me an Aliens vibe for my childhood gaming needs.