Malignant mesothelioma cases are rare and have a long incubation period, making it difficult to conduct clinical research.? Animal models of malignant mesothelioma are crucial for experimental research and elucidating the pathogenesis for malignant mesothelioma. Common animal models include spontaneous, inducible, transplantable, and genetically engineered models, but the applicability of different animal models varies. This article reviews studies related to the establishment of animal models of malignant mesothelioma in the past 10 years and summarizes the recent progress in the establishment of four animal models of malignant mesothelioma from three aspects: modeling methods, modeling results, and model advantages and disadvantages. This review summarizes and analyzes the current progress in the establishment of inducing animal models of malignant mesothelioma, this provides a reference for malignant mesothelioma basic research using animal models.