Reactive element (RE) additions in superalloys can significantly reduce alloy oxidization rate and improve scale adherence, hence RE dopants have been widely applied to commercial superalloys and high temperature coatings for modification. However, unified understanding of RE effect mechanism and complete corresponding theoretical system were still unavailable. Recent progress of RE in high temperature protective coatings was introduced from the aspects including RE modified high temperature protective coatings‘ manufacture methods, RE effect and mechanism models, over-doping and co-doping effects. Effects of RE addition on oxide film growth mechanism, microstructure and oxide film adhesion, harmful effect of overdoping on oxidation resistance as well as improving effects of multiple REs doping on alloy substrate were analyzed emphatically. In addition to focusing on effects of RE doping on oxide film growth and bonding state of oxide film/coating substrate, effects of such factors as interdiffusion between the coating and substrate, oxygen content of the coatings and coating thickness on RE addition category and amount must be considered to optimize effects of RE modification on high temperature protective coating. In view of current research results, it was pointed out that the most urgent problem regarding application of RE modified high temperature coatings was to determine optimal category and content of RE dopants in different alloy systems. Finally, future research orientations were proposed.