Personally, I'd say Zero Mission. It's perfect for beginners. Super Metroid afterwards.

Yep agreed. Then play Prime (first one) and be in awe of how they translated the game to a 3d world.

I find Prime is at least Super's equal. At least.

In order of appreciation, from best to least best:

1- Super Metroid

2- Metroid Prime and Prime 3

3- Metroid Prime 2

4- Metroid Zero Mission

5- Metroid Fusion

6- Metroid 2 Return of Samus

7- Metroid

8- Metroid Other M

9- Metroid Prime Hunters

10- Metroid Pinball

I totally think Retro is working on the next Metroid game for NX. Just wanted to get that out there :P

Great thread!
I've never completed a full Metroid game before but I have player parts of Metroid Prime a long time ago and I really enjoyed it. Its one of the FPS games along with Halo CE that got me really interested in shooting games. 

Hi. I want to get into the Metroid series. But I won't until there's a new (or remaster of the Prime 1/2/3) 3D Metroid on a home console.

NES Remix 2's metroid was okay...

Are you sure you don't wanna start with something like Zero Mission? Cuz otherwise you're gonna be waiting a few years. You own a WiiU, right?

I have it , yes. I don't think 2D Metroid is for me.  I don't like much backtracking and Prime doesn't have as much.

But Pinball is best Metroid :(