I had this conversation few days ago with a couple of friends :

Which Zelda game is the best in the series and why ?

For me it would be a decision between OOT and TP, my reason being OOT was the first Zelda I ever played and TP being near perfection.

It's LttP hands down, one of the longest in the series, has some difficulty (even after about my 20th time through that game surprised me and got me once or twice which is saying a lot) and set the basis for most Zelda games since. (heart pieces, dark world, epic storyline, many of the items, etc.)

silly answer is silly

on topic : All zelda's are great, only 2 are awesome. OOT and LTTP

Legend of Zelda, The - A Link To The Past -

10/10 Music
10/10 Gameplay
10/10 Storyline/Side Quests
10/10 2D Graphics
10/10 Inventory/Items/Spells/many more
10/10 NPCharacters
10/10 Home SNES/Portable GBA -remake- /VC Wii game Ever
10/10 Happy End ever
10/10 Over all

I think it's clear why I had no doubt to say it's my best Zelda game ever.

yeah the SNES one is probably the best.

though the real best one is the first one =) as the others only expand on it :p

I'd have to say A Link to the Past.

Ocarina of Time

It was a huge step forward for games.

Lock on Camera
Epic Scale
Wonderful story telling

Twilight princess is a worthy second. Although Links Awakening did have some top moments. Its just that 2d doesnt cut it anymore. I also enjoyed Majoras Mask. That was one cooky game.

Ocarina of time, my favorite game of all time.
Second majora's mask, my second favorite game of all time.

My top list

1. OoT

2. TP

3. WW

4. MM (Majora's mask)

5. MC (Minish Cap) (playing it now)

6. Link's Awakening (playing it now)

7. Original (never finished it though)

8. Adventure of Link (never finished it though)

9. Link to the past (never finished it though)

10. Phantom Hourglass (never finished it though)

I haven't played the Oracles nor the 4 Sword ones.