Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA, in which 3’ and 5’ ends are joined together to form a covalently closed circular structure. Following ischemic stroke, the body undergoes various pathophysiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. CircRNAs are involved in regulation of stroke by regulating the expression levels of ischemic stroke-related genes, mainly through sponge-adsorbed microRNAs. After ischemic stroke, some circRNAs have a protective effect on the brain, while others have a damaging effect on the brain. Studies suggest that circRNAs have the potential to provide new therapeutic approaches for ischemic stroke in the future. This article reviews the progress of circRNA research in the field of ischemic stroke and provides an outlook on the future applications of circRNAs.