Objective The currently pertinent articles about the molecular mechanism of recurrence and metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were reviewed. Methods Literatures that related to the molecular mechanism of the recurrence and metastasis of HCC were summarized retrospectively in this review. Results Several genes, such as the growth factors and the corresponding receptors, the adhesive molecule, and the extracellular matrix and many factors, such as the oxygen supply, tumor angiogenesis and the immune system, all took important roles in the process of recurrence and metastasis of HCC, which involves many steps. Conclusion The study of the recurrence and metastasis of HCC should be emphasized further since early intervening the genes that are related to the recurrence and metastasis may help prevent the recurrence and metastasis of HCC completely, decrease the death rate and improve patients’ life quality in the long term.