In what order should I play the Metroid games?

[leedlelee]

I would say fool around with the original Metroid for a little while to get an appreciation for it, but I don't think it's a game you have to play to the end, especially if you do intend to play Zero Mission...
You could also watch a Let's Play of Metroid Prime Hunters instead of playing it; you've got your work cut out for you if you're hoping to play through the whole series, and it's not exactly the most engaging or exciting installment in the series...