Eukaryotic cells contain a wide range of chromatin remodeling factors that mostly exist in the form of multi-subunit protein complexes. To initiate or maintain a specific cellular process, different chromatin remodeling complexes localize to particular nucleosome at certain times, resulting in the alteration of chromatin structure and gene transcription activity. Among all the chromatin remodeling factors, some structural and functional similarities could be found. However, most chromatin remodeling factors also have their own specific domains that allow them to exert diverse regulating effects. According to the different functional domains they contain, chromatin remodeling factors can be divided into four subfamilies: SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD and INO80. This review will focus on the recent advances in chromatin remodeling research concerning the classification, structure, and biological function of chromatin remodeling factors in the cell, as well as lay the foundation for further illustration of chromatin remodeling processes in organism development and disease occurrence.