Laser peen forming (LPF) is a novel technology in which the plastic deformation is caused by plasma shock waves generated in the interaction of the laser beam and the target. It combines the advantages of laser shock peening with plastic forming,and has great potentials in many fields such as large complex surfaces forming,micro-mechanical components manufacturing,packaging and adjusting. The historical background of laser peen forming processes was reviewed,the deformation models of the processes were divided into convex and concave types,and then their forming mechanisms and characteristics were analyzed in detail. The geometric forms,material natures,forming defects during LPF and the analytical techniques for LPF were summarized. The focus of debate,opportunities and challenges with the development of this technology were also discussed.