Objective To summarize progress of Warburg effect in colorectal cancer and to provide basis for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Method The relevant literatures about the Warburg effect in the colorectal cancer in recent years were reviewed. Results The Warburg effect played a significant role in the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of the colorectal cancer cells. It was contributed to the growth of cancer cells and inhibited the apoptosis, at the same time it created the suitable environmental conditions for the tumor metastasis. Conclusions Mechanism of Warburg effec in occurrence and development of colorect cancer is not unclear. Warburg effect and relationship between its key enzyme (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase) and colorectal caner need to be studied so as to providing a new direction and approach for early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.