The recent domestic and international studies on tetrazole energetic metal complexes (TEMCs) were classifiedly reviewed. Some synthesis and research trends of the TEMCs were introduced. 5-Cyanotetrazole (CT),5-nitrotetrazolium (NT) and 5-aminotetrazole (AT) are the three most important ligands,which have attracted more and more attention due to their excellent performance and distinctive structure characteristics. Our recommendations are as follows: (1) The synthesis processes of TEMCs have such advantages as less separation steps,mild reaction condition,easy operation,fine controllability,high yield and less pollution. However,the structure and properties studies are still difficult. And the inquiry into the solid-state molar enthalpy of formation has not been reported in the literatures. (2) Altering the central metal ions or the outside cations,changing the number of ligands and modifying preparation methods are all possible ways to search TEMCs that could meet our requirements. (3) Systematic study on the structure and properties of these complexes should be carried out through designing and selecting proper ligands and metal ions,and meanwhile,controlling all the factors such as reaction conditions,which might be of important significance to the experimental study.