In this paper, the hard coatings containing Ag element are reviewed from the binary Ag-containing Ag-DLC coating to the ternary Ag-containing CrN/Ag, TiN/Ag and ZrN/Ag coatings, as well as the quaternary CrSiN/Ag, TiCN/Ag and ZrCN/Ag coatings. The effects of different preparation methods and parameters, the addition of different elements and other means on the structure, tribological corrosion and antibacterial properties of the coating are analyzed. In the process of the composition of the coatings changing from binary to multi-component, it is found that the content of elements and preparation parameters will have an important influence on the microstructure of the coatings, and the Ag-content greatly affects the tribological properties, corrosion resistance and antibacterial property of the hard coatings. Previous studies have shown that the addition of Ag can often improve the wear resistance of the coatings due to the low shear strength of Ag-phase, so the combination of Ag solid lubricant with thermochemical stability and a hard coating with enhanced wear resistance can improve the tribological properties of the hard coatings. A small amout of Ag can maintain or slightly improve the corrosion resistance of the coatings, but high Ag-content will reduce the corrosion resistance of the hard coatings. At the same time, the Ag element has a good antibacterial effect on the metal corrosive bacteria, and is a metallic element with good safety to the environment and human body. If the nano-composite film containing Ag can be deposited on the surface of metal parts, it can meet the requirements of wear-resistant and antifouling of water-lubricated parts. Therefore, the research on Ag-containing nanocomposite coatings with abrasion resistance and biocorrosion resistance in the water environment is conducive to the protection of key components in mechanical engineering equipment, and is of great significance for marine exploitation and social development.