ObjectiveTo summarize the mechanism and research progress of ferroptosis in acute liver injury. MethodThe domestic and foreign literatures related of ferroptosis and acute liver injury were searched and reviewed. ResultsFerroptosis was a newly identified form of iron-dependent cell death. The loss of lipid peroxidation repair activity of glutathione peroxidase 4, the presence of redox active iron and the oxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids were considered to be distinctive features of ferroptosis. At present, the research on the regulation of ferroptosis genes involved common liver diseases, including drug-induced liver injury, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, liver failure, nonalcoholic fatty liver and so on. Based on the high correlation between ferroptosis and acute liver injury, chemical therapy targeting ferroptosis could provide individualized treatment for patients with acute liver injury in the future. ConclusionsThe ferroptosis plays a critical role in governing various cellular processes and downstream effects. Its aberrant expression contributes to the development and advancement of acute liver injury through diverse mechanisms. Thoroughly exploring the involvement of the ferroptosis in acute liver injury is of utmost significance, as it holds the potential to unveil novel therapeutic targets for effective management of acute liver injury.