Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film, due to the excellent tribological properties and good biocompatibility, was used to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of artificial joints. This paper reviewed the research status of DLC films in the field of artificial joints, including the classification and deposition methods of DLC films. Although this coating material has been studied for decades, under the combined action of high-load friction and corrosion in the complex physiological and mechanical environment of the human body, high internal stress resulted in insufficient adhesion, which limited its application in the field of artificial joints. This paper introduced the method of reducing the internal stress of DLC film and improving the adhesion of film base and the biocompatibility of DLC film. Finally, the research progress of different DLC coated artificial joint friction pairs was described. According to this review, superior candidate material for articulating implants was a thick and adherent hydrogen-free DLC coating (high sp3%) on both sliding surfaces, which was essential for load-bearing implant applications. The problems of DL C film artificial joints need to be solved, which is conducive to improve the lifetime of DLC film.