Abstract: A review was given on the types, molecular structures, and physico-chemical properties of various lubricants used for hard disk magnetic recording. The design rules, bonding mechanism, dispersing behavior, decomposition mechanism, and tribological properties of the hard disk lubricants were summarized, and the action of some lubricating additives for hard disk application was discussed. Moreover, the effect of the lubricant film properties on the dynamic characteristics of the hard disk was analyzed, while some future topics on the study and development of the hard disk lubricants were suggested.