Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a promising charging method without physical contact for the electronic products energy supply. However, low transfer efficiency, short transmission distance, as well as the electromagnetic (EM) leakage are commonly main bottlenecks of the WPT technology in the practical applications. The electromagnetic metamaterials (EMMMs) used in WPT system have opened up a brand-new approach for better transfer properties and EM shielding. This paper is intended to provide an overview of the current studies and breakthroughs of the WPT system based on EMMMs. First, we demonstrate the fundamentals of the WPT based on the magnetic resonant coupling. Then, various key considerations of the EMMMs, such as working mechanisms, fabrications have been taken into accounted in detail. Moreover, the applications of EMMM in WPT systems are elaborated. Finally, the technical challenges in connection with working frequency and design miniaturization are investigated in this paper. This novel interdisciplinary technology shows important meanings on the extensive application of energy transmission in the future.