Objective To understand the research progress and future prospects of the growth arrest specific protein 6/Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Gas6/Axl) signaling pathway in gastrointestinal malignant tumors. Method Retrieve relevant literature on the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway in gastrointestinal malignant tumors and analyze and summarize. Results The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway was abnormally upregulated and activated in gastrointestinal malignancies, leading to malignant cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal malignancies. At present, in the field of gastrointestinal cancer, the research of Gas6/Axl signaling pathway mainly involved tumor angiogenesis, tumor drug resistance, mesenchymal epithelial transformation, and tumor microenvironment. Conclusions The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway plays a critical role in governing various cellular processes and downstream effects. Its aberrant expression contributes to the development and advancement of gastrointestinal malignancies through diverse mechanisms. Thoroughly exploring the involvement of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway in gastrointestinal tumors is of utmost significance, as it holds the potential to unveil novel therapeutic targets for effective management of gastrointestinal malignancies.