The electrocaloric effect refers to the phenomenon of the temperature change of a material caused by the application or removal of an electric field, and includes two types, positive electrocaloric effect and negative electrocaloric effect. As a high-efficiency, noise-free and environment-friendly refrigeration effect, the electrocaloric effect shows promising application in the field of solid-state refrigeration, especially in integrated circuit refrigeration, and has attracted extensive research interests over the past decades. It is reported that the cooling capacity of the electrocaloric effect can be significantly improved by combining the positive and negative electrocaloric effects. However, different from the widely studied positive electrocaloric effect, the research on negative electrocaloric effect is relatively rare due to its complex physical origin. This article focuses on the latest research progress of the negative electrocaloric effect in antiferroelectric materials. The specific content includes the following four parts. Firstly, starting from the research history of the electrocaloric effect, the principle of refrigeration of the electrocaloric effect is introduced, as well as a typical dual refrigeration cycle that can combine positive and negative electrocaloric effect. Secondly, the indirect measurement method of negative electrocaloric effect based on Maxwell relationship, and several direct measurement methods of negative electrocaloric effect, and the suitable applying conditions as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are discussed. Thirdly, taking antiferroelectric which is a typical negative electrocaloric effect materials as an example, the physical origin of negative electrocaloric effect is narrated. Then the recent progress of negative electrocaloric effect in the antiferroelectric film and antiferroelectric bulk materials is reviewed. In addition, the negative electrocaloric effect in some other ferroelectric materials is also briefly introduced. Finally, a summary and prospect of the research on the negative electrocaloric effect are put forward.