Rare-earth elements are characterized with their biological effects on some organisms. Besides the increase production effect in agriculture, rare-earth elements also have antimicrobial effect in clinic. Recently, the antimicrobial effect and mechanism of rare-earth elements are under investigation by some scholars. This paper summarized the antimicrobial activity and application of rare earth compounds and complexes, including Hormesis effect of rare-earth elements to some microorganism, synergistic effect of rare-earth elements with antibiotic, synthesis of some rare earth complexes, and the application of rare earth compounds in antibacterial materials. Then the antimicrobial mechanism of rare earth compounds and complexes have been discussed. At last, the application for foreground and essentiality of rare earth compounds and complexes in antimicrobial field will be expected.