The technology of optical millimeter-wave (MMW) generation based on four-wave mixing (FWM) effect has become a key research direction due to its various advantages like having no limitation on the signal frequency, amplitude and phase, and high optical conversion efficiency. This paper reviews the research history of the photonic generation technology of MMW based on FWM effect. Three technical routes for the photonic generation of MMW based on FWM effect are discussed, which include the utilization of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), highly nonlinear optical fiber (HNLF) and silicon waveguide. Research progress on chalcogenide glass fibers and chalcogenide waveguides for the photonic generation of MMW is reviewed. The development prospect for the photonic generation technology of MMW is also presented.