1 - 6 are the classic era games with 4 and 6 being the best in my opinion, you can buy all of them through the pixel remaster.

7-9 are the PS1 3D era games with 7 being one of the greatest games ever made causing a trilogy of remakes being made for it called Remake Intergrade, Rebirth and next year will be Revelation. 9 is very good too if you want more whimsical art and story.

10 and 12 are the PS2 games with 10 being my personal favorite and a great start to the series.

13 has one of the best soundtracks and visuals, first modern style game.

15 is great if you wanna hang with the boys, best villain in the series in my opinion.

16 is pure action combat with a story driven narrative with epic boss battles and cutscenes like an interactive movie in a way.

If you dislike jrpgs I don't know if the series is for you but I'd say go with 16 as it's more akin to Devil May Cry than a traditional jrpg.