Objective To compare the pain relief and rehabilitation effect of intercostal nerve block and conventional postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods China National Repository, Wanfang Database, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, EMbase and PubMed were searched from establishment of each database to 10 Febraray, 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of intercostal nerve block in thoracoscopic surgery were collected, and meta-analysis was conducted after data extraction and quality evaluation of the studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results A total of 21 RCTs and one semi-randomized study were identified, including 1 542 patients. Performance bias was the main bias risk. Intercostal nerve block had a significant effect on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 12 h after surgery (MD=–1.45, 95%CI –1.88 to –1.02, P<0.000 01), VAS score at 24 h after surgery (MD=–1.28, 95%CI –1.67 to –0.89, P<0.000 01), and VAS score at 48 h after surgery significantly decreased (MD=–0.90, 95%CI –1.22 to –0.58, P<0.000 01). In exercise or cough state, VAS score at 24 h after surgery (MD=–2.40, 95%CI –2.66 to –2.14, P<0.000 01) and at 48 h after surgery decreased significantly (MD=–1.89, 95%CI –2.09 to –1.69, P<0.000 01). In the intercostal nerve block group, the number of compression of the intravenous analgesic automatic pump on the second day after surgery significantly reduced (SMD=–0.78, 95%CI –1.29 to –0.27, P=0.003). In addition to the analgesic pump, the amount of additional opioids significantly reduced (SMD=–2.05, 95%CI –3.65 to –0.45, P=0.01). Postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was reduced (SMD=–3.23, 95%CI –6.44 to –0.01, P=0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly improved (RR=1.31, 95%CI 1.17 to 1.46, P<0.01). Chest tube indwelling time was significantly shortened (SMD=–0.64, 95%CI –0.84 to –0.45, P<0.001). The incidence of analgesia-related adverse reactions was significantly reduced (RR=0.43, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.56, P<0.000 01). Postoperative complications were significantly reduced (RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.18 to 0.44, P<0.000 01). Two studies showed that the length of hospital stay was significantly shortened in the intercostal nerve block group, which was statistically different (P≤0.05), and there was no statistical difference in one report. Conclusion The relief of acute postoperative pain and pain in the movement state is more prominent after intercostal nerve block. Intercostal nerve block is relatively safe and conforms to the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery, which can be extensively utilized in clinical practice.