ObjectiveTo summarize the application research progress of animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma at home and abroad in recent years. MethodThe relevant literature on animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed. ResultsAt present, the common animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma mainly included spontaneous animal model, induced animal model, gene modified animal model, transplanted animal model, and humanized animal model. The etiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiological changes of various animal models were different. The selection of animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma depended on the type and purpose of research. ConclusionsVarious animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma have their own advantages and disadvantages. Researchers should choose different animal models according to their own research purposes to achieve the expected experimental purposes, so that more valuable research results of animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma can be applied to clinical practice, and finally these research results can be truly applied to diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.