The shape memory mechanism, features and the application status of shape memory materials, which can be classified into shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers and shape memory ceramics are reviewed. Shape memory alloys include Ni-Ti, Cu-based and Fe-based shape memory alloy. Thermally induced, light-induced, electro-induced, magnetic-induced and Chemosensory shape memory polymer belong to the main types of shape memory polymer materials. In addition, the direction of research on shape memory materials is also put forward. It is required to strengthen fatigue properties research on shape memory alloys and structure design research on shape memory polymers, to establish a unified research method and reasonable evaluation system, and to improve the properties of shape memory ceramics to expand its application field.