In the cutting-edge field of cancer therapy, noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) has received great attention because it is considered to overcome the drawbacks of conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy of severe body injuries and side effects on the immune system. The construction of PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms is the key issue in achieving tumor targeting, imaging and therapy in a synergetic manner. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in constructing PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms by integrating nanomaterials and functional polymers. The noninvasive photothermal cancer therapy mechanism and achievement strategies of PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms are presented as well as the innovative construction strategies and perspectives for the future. Owing to their high tumor ablation efficiency, biological availability and low- or non-toxicity, PTT therapeutic and theranostic nanoplatforms are promising and emerging in medicine and clinical applications.