Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is one of the primary pathways for the internalization of plasma membrane proteins in animal and plant cells. Clathrin and its adaptor protein complexes play crucial roles in plant morphogenesis, root gravitropic growth, halotropism response, immune signaling and nutrient elements. This review begins with an overview of clathrin and its mediated endocytosis in animal cells, briefly summarizing the composition, localization, and biological functions of plant clathrin and its adaptor protein complexes. It focuses on the regulatory mechanisms and biological roles of the CME pathway in plants, while also summarizing and prospecting the critical contributions of CME to plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, future research directions are discussed, providing valuable references for ‌in-depth exploration‌ of the ‌molecular mechanisms‌ underlying the plant CME pathway.