In the complicated and extreme hot-processing technology, the classical theories of dendrite growth based on the relative independency between thermodynamics and kinetics cannot be adapted to deal with the versatile mechanisms involved in complicated non-equilibrium solidifications, thus drastically limiting their industrial applications. This review summarized the development of dendrite growth theories assuming the thermo-kinetic independence, analyzed the inherent thermo-kinetic correlation, and described concisely the model for twin-roll casting technology and assuming the thermo-kinetic correlation. Applying above model, the correlation between thermodynamic driving force and kinetic energy barrier was quantitatively proved, and the alloy design and processing optimization in the twin-roll casting technology can be realized by selecting different thermo-kinetic combinations. Through declaring the shortcomings of the existing models, it is promising to generalize the further development of dendrite growth models and the application in realistic processing.