Three methods currently used in earth slope stability analysis, including the limit equilibrium method, limit analysis method, and numerical analysis method, are reviewed in this paper. Analyses show that(a)the traditional limit equilibrium and limit analysis methods were developed rapidly in the 20th century; (b)with the development of computer techniques and numerical methods in the 21st century, three-dimensional(3D)numerical analysis methods(e. g. , the finite element method and finite difference method)have been developed and widely accepted because of their significant advantages; and(c)although these 3D slope stability analysis methods have been improved, there are still some problems. Based on analysis of the existing problems and development trends of the 3D slope stability analysis methods, some ideas are presented for the future development of these analysis methods.