Actuator has aroused enormous research avocation due to its excellent performance and promising applications in the field of soft robots, artificial muscles, etc. By introducing azobenzene mesogens into the actuation material, a non-contact, precise control, and low energy consumption photo-responsive actuator can be realized based on the reversible photoisomerization process of azobenzene mesogens. After years of development, the materials of azobenzene liquid crystal actuator have gone through the initial polysiloxanes, polyacrylates, etc., to advanced dynamic transesterification networks. The development of actuation materials has further promoted the diversification and functionalization of actuation forms. The actuation form of the azobenzene liquid crystal actuator ranges from simple bending, twisting, and oscillating to more practical light-controlled motors, lifting heavy objects, micro liquid transportation and etc. This paper summarizes and reviews the development history, typical applications, and current problems of the azobenzene liquid crystal actuator. Finally, its application prospect in the field of energy conversion is prospected.