Long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRs) have been reported to regulate disease progression in numerous types of disease, including retinoblastoma (Rb). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of the lncRNA FEZ family zinc finger 1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1‑AS1) on Rb and to determine its possible mechanism of action. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were conducted to detect the gene or protein expression. Cell Counting Kit‑8, wound healing and transwell invasion assays were performed to estimate the capabilities of cell viability, invasion and migration. The potential association between FEZF1‑AS1 and miR‑1236‑3p in Y79 cells was measured via dual‑luciferase reporter assay. The results of the present study revealed that the levels of FEZF1‑AS1 were significantly upregulated in different Rb cell lines, with the most prominent upregulation observed in Y79 cells. In addition, the cell viability, invasive and migratory abilities, and the ability to undergo epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), were significantly inhibited following the transfection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‑FEZF1‑AS1 into Y79 cells. Further experimental validation confirmed that miR‑1236‑3p may be a direct target of FEZF1‑AS1. Notably, the miR‑1236‑3p inhibitor was discovered to reverse the inhibitory effects of shRNA‑FEZF1‑AS1 on cell viability, invasion, migration and EMT. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that lncRNA‑FEZF1‑AS1 may promote the viability, migration, invasion and EMT of Rb cells by modulating miR‑1236‑3p.