ObjectiveTo help junior radiologists and surgeons better interpret MRI images of rectal cancer.MethodThe guidelines, expert consensus and research progress on the application of MR imaging in rectal cancer in recent years were reviewed.ResultsRectal MR had the ability to accurately evaluate a number of important findings that may impact patient’ management, including distance of the tumor to the mesorectal fascia, presence of extramural vascular invasion, and presence of lymph nodes.ConclusionsRectal MRI is an important basis for clinical staging and multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer. Surgeons and radiologists must master the key imaging anatomical basis and clinical practice points in order to accurately interpret the image information of MRI in rectal cancer.