Objective To summarize the important role of tumor associated neutrophils (TANs) in the occurrence, development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The basic and clinical application research literatures on the correlation between TANs and the occurrence, development and prognosis of HCC were reviewed. Results As the most abundant inflammatory cells in human body, neutrophils were also an important part of the immunosuppressive microenvironment of HCC, which was closely related to the occurrence and development, immune escape and drug sensitivity of HCC. In the tumor microenvironment, the interaction between TANs, HCC cells and other components such as neutrophil extracellular traps was regulated by a variety of signal pathways. Some parameters related to neutrophils, such as neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio, had been used as effective biomarkers for predicting the clinical prognosis of HCC patients. Conclusions The exact role of neutrophils in HCC remains to be further studied. With the continuous accumulation of research results on the function of tumor associated immunosuppressive neutrophils and new therapies targeting neutrophils, more patients with HCC will benefit from immunotherapy and personalized targeted therapy.