Objective To summarize the current research progress of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) anatomy, and discuss its effect on the reconstruction technique. Methods The literature concerning ACL anatomy and reconstruction at home and abroad was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results The anatomy and morphology of ACL has gained new recognition in recent years, and the " Ribbon-like” ACL has gradually been paid attention to by researchers. In present researches, it seems the " Ribbon-like” anatomy theory has advantages in theory when compared with the previous anatomy theory. It is more in line with the anatomy and isometric reconstruction. Conclusion The understanding of ACL anatomy guided the development of ACL reconstruction. The " Ribbon-like” ACL anatomy theory is the different understanding of the anatomy theory, which remains controversy. The " Ribbon-like” reconstruction maybe has more advantages in theory, but further study is needed.