Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by the partial suppression of apoptosis, which in turn gives tumours a selective advantage for survival and can cause current chemotherapy approaches to be ineffective. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of apoptosis in colorectal carcinogenesis has provided potential new targets for therapy. Here, we review recent studies of the regulation of apoptosis and its role in CRC initiation and progression, and we discuss the relationship between chemoresistance and the suppression of apoptosis. Recent progress in targeting apoptotic pathways and their regulators provide strategies for the exploration of novel therapies for CRC.