In order to reduce the traffic accidents that occur in rainy days due to the water film effect, this paper reviewed the research progress of water film on asphalt pavement,analyzed the calculation results of water film thickness at home and abroad, and summarized the types and decision criteria of hydroplaning. Meanwhile,the critical hydroplaning velocity was described in detail from the aspects of experiment, formula or equation established by the mechanical model,numerical modeling and simulation. Finally, the summary and comparative analysis were conducted.