Metal-organic framework (MOF) and their derivatives have been considered a promising material in the field of energy storage and conversion systems. Their distinct properties, including high porosity, tunable composition, and structure, enable the design of materials with tailored properties for achieving high performance. Lithium sulfur (Li S) batteries have several issues that prevent their broad application, including the low conductivity of sulfur, presence of soluble intermediates, and slow redox kinetics. MOF-based materials are a synthetic platform that is well positioned to mitigate these issues. This review highlights three essential function of Li S batteries and classifies recently developed MOF-based materials with respect to these functions. The design principles identified by such function-based classification provide guidance and perspective to rationally design MOF-based materials for advanced Li S batteries.