Final Fantasy VI is the best one that I've played. Other than graphically, I thought FF VII was a step back in most regards. Even then, I mostly mean cut-scenes and environments, as the actual in-game character graphics for FF VII were horrible. FF VII also seems to be the origin for a lot of bad trends in RPGs after, such as artificially convoluted storylines that make very little sense and the shift to stylish fantasy over classical fantasy aesthetics.
In my opinion, FF VI and FFT are the cream of the crop, with VII through X being really good but not quite to the same level.
And no, I don't care which is the most popular or has sold the most copies. That would be like thinking the yearly CoD release is the best game because it usually makes the most money.
