Cellular automata (CA) algorithm has become an effective tool to simulate microstructure evolution. This paper presents a review on CA modeling of microstructural evolution, such as grain coarsening, recrystallization and phase transformation during metal forming process which significantly affects mechanical properties of final products. CA modeling of grain boundary motion is illustrated and several aspects of recrystallization are described, e.g. nucleation and growth, the development of static and dynamic recrystallization. For phase transformation, attention is paid to such key factors as solute element diffusion and change of systemic chemical free energy. In view of the reviewed works, several open questions in the field of further development of CA simulation are put forward and recommendations to them are given. cellular automata algorithm, grain coarsening, recrystallization, phase transformation Citation: Yang H, Wu C, Li H W, et al. Review on cellular automata simulations of microstructure evolution during metal forming process: Grain coarsening, recrystallization and phase transformation.