Necroptosis is a programmed, caspase-independent cell death that is morphologically similar to necrosis. Unlike apoptosis, necroptosis evokes inflammatory responses by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns. Recent studies suggest that tumor undergoes necroptosis in vivo and necroptosis has pro- or anti-tumoral effects in cancer development and progression. Furthermore, triggering necroptosis in tumor cells has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy against cancer. Here, we will review the recent research progress of necroptosis in conferring anti- or pro-tumoral effects and its potential application in cancer therapy.