Potassium sorbate has been widely used in food owing to its antimicrobial activity. In recent years, it has received great attention in the field of antimicrobial materials. It could provide active protection to food products by releasing antimicrobial agents onto food surface to prevent the product deterioration and ensure food safety. The methods of testing the antimicrobial properties of the films were summarized. The antimicrobial effect of films, the release kinetics of potassium sorbate and the theoretical model of potassium sorbate release were elaborated. Finally, the development prospect of potassium sorbate antimicrobial materials was proposed to provide further reference and utilization.