The work aims to further improve the energy absorption performance of polymer energy absorbing materials and promote the research, popularization and application of polymer energy absorbing materials. Based on the classification of common polymer energy absorbing materials, the modification effect of polymer energy absorbing materials commonly used in China and abroad were comprehensively investigated. The modification methods for different types of polymer energy absorbing materials were systematically combed. The main problems in the modification process were identified. The advantages and disadvantages of different modification methods were compared and analyzed. The existing modification of polymer energy absorbing materials have some shortcomings in modifiers, preparation process and modification methods. For the use of modifiers, it is necessary to select modifiers with different functions according to the specific performance to be improved and add appropriate compatibilizers to solve the problem of poor compatibility. In the future, it is necessary to further strengthen the understanding of the interaction mechanism between modifiers and matrix, and develop new functional materials. For the selection of modification methods, appropriate preparation processes and methods should be selected according to different processing conditions and production quantities. In the future, more new technologies and modification methods should be explored to improve the speed of industrial production.