Laser rock-breaking technology has great potential in oil and gas exploration, mining, and related fields. However, most studies on laser rock breaking are in the theoretical and experimental exploration stages. High-energy laser drilling and rock breaking are complex and involve optics, material science, mechanics, and other disciplines. It is necessary to examine the physical and chemical changes, rock mechanical properties, laser parameters, and other issues during the interaction between the laser and rock. Before practical applications can be achieved, many challenges must be addressed. This paper summarizes the recent research results on the interaction mechanism between lasers and rocks. In the ongoing research on the mechanism of laser rock breaking, numerical simulations and experimental research are the main approaches. This paper also reviews the application research progress in laser rock breaking and analyzes the future development trends of laser rock breaking.