1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): A science fiction masterpiece and arguably Clarke's most famous work, co-written with Stanley Kubrick for the film of the same name. It explores themes of artificial intelligence, human evolution, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
2. Childhood's End (1953): A classic of speculative fiction, it depicts a peaceful alien invasion that ultimately leads to the transformation of humanity.
3. Rendezvous with Rama (1973): A captivating hard science fiction novel about the discovery and exploration of a mysterious cylindrical alien spacecraft.
4. The Fountains of Paradise (1979): A story about the construction of a space elevator and the future of humanity, blending science fiction and historical fiction.
5. Profiles of the Future (1962): A collection of essays that explores the possibilities of technology and its impact on humanity.
6. A Fall of Moondust (1961): An adventure story set on the moon, featuring a thrilling rescue operation from a crater.
7. The Songs of Distant Earth (1986): A tale of interstellar travel and the search for a new home for humanity.
8. The City and the Stars (1956): A thought-provoking story about a solitary man living in a vast, ancient city and his quest for meaning.
9. 2010: Odyssey Two (1982): A sequel to "2001: A Space Odyssey", exploring the mystery of the alien monolith and the fate of HAL 9000.
10. The Deep (1977): A science fiction thriller set on the ocean floor, where a team of scientists discovers a mysterious underwater civilization.
This list reflects a combination of critical acclaim, cultural impact, and enduring popularity. It's also worth noting that Clarke wrote many other excellent books, and your personal preference might lead you to appreciate other works on this list.