Sicyos angulatus is an annual grassy vine climber native to the northeast United States. It is widely planted because of its ornamental value. It has now spread to most places in Europe and Asia posing a serious threat to the growth of native plants and is considered one of the most problematic invasive plants worldwide. Its mass introduction into China has caused serious harm to agriculture, urban gardens and the environment. The invasion strategy of S. angulatus is poorly understood. This paper reviews the distribution and hazard, nutrition and reproductive growth strategies, competitive strategy, prevention, and application of S. angulatus, and summarized the research progress to provide a scientific basis for controlling S. angulatus. The key factor of S. angulatus invasion success is its diversified adaptation strategies and powerful ability to spread. The main reason for its damage to agriculture and the environment is climbing strangulation and occupying different ecological niches. The control methods of S. angulatus include manual removal and chemical and biological control. S. angulatus has been applied in agriculture, soil remediation, and medicine. Further studies on the adaptive mechanisms in the natural environment, application development, and control methods are needed.