Objective To investigate the research progress of drug-loaded antibacterial coating of orthopedic metal implants in recent years. Methods The recent literature on the drug-loaded antibacterial coating of orthopedic metal implants were reviewed. The research status, classification, and development trend of drug-loaded antibacterial coating were summarized. Results The drug-loaded antibacterial coating of orthopedic metal implants can be divided into passive release type and active release type according to the mode of drug release. Passive drug release coating can release the drug continuously regardless of whether the presence of bacteria around the implants. Active drug release coating do not release the drug unless the presence of bacteria around the implants. Conclusion The sustained and stable release of drugs is a key problem to be solved in various antibacterial coatings research. The intelligent antibacterial coating which release antibiotics only in the presence of bacteria is the future direction of development.