This paper reviews the research progress of carbon nanomaterials in corrosion protection, focusing on several carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene, graphyne and carbon dots. Carbon nanomaterials have excellent lubricating properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, and shielding properties, and have broad application prospects in the field of coating protection. Carbon nanomaterials with a two-dimensional lamella structure can build multiple high-efficiency barriers inside the coating, effectively improving the shielding performance of the coating. The presence of negative charges on the surface of carbon nanomaterials can effectively inhibit the penetration of chloride and hydroxide ions, reduce the concentration of anions between the coating and the metal interface, and slow down the probability of corrosion at the coating and metal interface. Carbon nanomaterials have lubricating properties, which can reduce friction and improve the wear resistance of the coating. In addition, this paper elaborates on the preparation, performance and anticorrosion mechanism of carbon nanomaterial coatings, and the development prospects of carbon nanomaterials in organic anticorrosive coatings.