To fully understand the mystery of the brain is the biggest challenge facing the modern science. A deeper knowledge of how a brain works will have profound implications, both for appreciating our own minds, ranging from intelligence to emotion, and for treatments of brain diseases that have brought much sufferings to individuals and society. As a model organism for modern neuroscience, the common fruit fly, Drosophila, is emerging as one of the primary choice for studying the genetic basis and neural circuit of behavior. This review will focus on higher brain functions, including learning and memory, motivation, emotional and social behaviors in Drosophila. We will cover the significance, background, current progress, and prospect of the related topics. We hope this review would help the readers to catch a glimpse of the dynamic range of Drosophila neurogenetic research and the leading edge of the brain science.