Selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL) is an important reaction because the main products, cinnamic alcohol (COL) and hydrocinnamaldehyde (HCAL), are used in various fields, such as production of pharmaceutical intermediates, chemicals, perfumes, and fragrances. In recent years, numerous metal-based catalysts and significant study achievements have been reported. Thus, this Review focuses on selective hydrogenation of CAL to target products in terms of metal-based catalysts and summarizes recent developments in this reaction with different catalysts, including Pt-, Pd-, Ru-, Ni-, Co-, and Cu-based catalysts.In addition, the reaction mechanisms of different catalysts, the effects of catalyst substrates, the different catalyst structures, and the synergistic effects in bimetallic catalysts are discussed. Lastly, the limitations and barriers encountered for noble metal and non-noble metal catalysts in the current study as well as potential research trends are discussed.