Nonlinear optical crystals represented by potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP)/potassium dideuterium phosphate (DKDP), lithium triborate (LBO), yttrium oxycalcium borate (YCOB), and langanite (LGN) have obtained important applications in the series of laser technologies from ultraviolet to mid-infrared, and have been widely concerned by the researchers for a long time. The improvement of crystal quality and the expansion of aperture have become the focus of current international competition. In this paper, focusing on the important requirements of high power laser, we review the research status of important nonlinear optical crystals such as KDP/DKDP, LBO, YCOB, and LGN, introduce their research progress in the growth of large-scale single crystals and nonlinear optical properties, and analyze their application prospects in the field of nonlinear optics with high power laser. Finally, the possible key development directions and emphasis of nonlinear optical crystals for high power laser are discussed.