The morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer are increasing over the world, while liver metastasis is the main cause of death. Many studies have elucidated the mechanisms. We searched the key words, such as colorectal cancer, liver metastasis and molecular factors, through PubMed, Medline and National Knowledge Infrastructure CNKI literature searching system, and discussed the studies in the recent decade. Thirteen well-identified and elucidated molecular factors, which belong to 8 categories, including matrix metalloproteinases, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, intergin, osteopontin, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, interferon-beta, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, nuclear matrix protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, insulin-like growth factor, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and proteinase-activated receptors were reviewed in the article. Correlations of these molecular factors to colorectal cancer were summarized, which maybe helpful to give a new insight into the treatment and prediction of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis.