Colorectal cancer has the second highest incidence in China. The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is complex, and prevention and treatment require improvement. To reveal the tumorigenesis mechanism of colorectal cancer, a preclinical animal model should be established. Compared with carcinogenic induction and xenograft models, the genetically engineered animal model is a powerful experimental tool to simulate the genetic mutations of colorectal cancer patients. Since establishment of ApcMin/ + mice, the most representative spontaneous colorectal cancer model, researchers have been attempting to establish genetically engineered mouse models of colorectal cancer with high clinical similarity. In this review, we discuss the role of Apc gene mutations in tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer, and focus on the characteristics of mouse colorectal cancer models established by various combinations of genetic mutations in terms of pathological morphology, invasion, and metastasis. This will provide a reference for colorectal cancer research to select ideal experimental models.