Any film franchises where the generally accepted "worse" entry is your favorite?

[Popcorn_Bliss]

I tend to think that there is something that is polarizing about the "black sheep" of a film series. Often, it gets that reputation because it doesn't follow the "formula" of more successful predecessors, etc.

Yet that same characteristic can also make the film a "diamond in the rough" to some viewers.

Are there any film series of which the generally accepted "worse" one is actually your favorite?

I can think of a few in my case...

Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985)
If it's not considered the flat-out worst entry in the series, it's darn close. People will go on and on about how the film is "amateurish" (of course it is), and how there is no "real" Jason in the picture, etc. In my eyes, it is everything a great and sleazy slasher film should be.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)
Again, I'm not sure it's considered the flat-out worst, but it certainly is very polarizing. Some seem to love its comic-like and dark-lit aura, not to mention the obvious themes of pollution and environmental issues prevalent at the start of the 1970's. Others seem to think it "brought down" the Godzilla series. I adore it! Probably my favorite of the Toho films.

Under The Cherry Moon (1986)
Not a series per se, but Prince had three "motion pictures" during his initial heyday - Purple Rain, Under The Cherry Moon, and Graffiti Bridge. Only "Purple Rain", though not as big a blockbuster as the album itself, was the only one to garner some fair acclaim. Yet "Under The Cherry Moon" is, by far, my favorite of the three. I love the black and white tones and its mix of stylish surrealism with almost absurd slapstick moments makes it all...Prince! In fact, the purple one directed it himself! Depending on your taste, that either drowns the film or makes it interesting. I love it!