Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) has been widely used in the field of surface / interface science, spectroscopy, biochemical detection, trace imaging. The metal graphitic nanocapsules were a kind of core-shell nanoparticles whose graphitic shell isolated metal core. It has attracted research attention in the field of biochemical detection analysis and trace imaging due to their high SERS sensitivity, excellent stability and optical properties in complex and harsh biochemical environments. The inherent chemical inertness of the ultrathin graphitic shell could protect the metal core from external factors such as photogenerated hot electrons, reactive oxygen species, and enzymes, which exhibited ultra-stable Raman signal output. Moreover, the multiple characteristic Raman bands (D, G, 2D) of the graphitic shell could be used as Raman signals and internal standard signals to further improve the accuracy of Raman quantitative detection. Notably, the 2D peak as a signal band in the Raman silent region was beneficial to reduce the interference of biomolecules in vivo. This review first introduced the preparation and properties of metal graphitic nanocapsules, and then summarized the application of metal graphitic nanocapsules in detection and imaging based on the SERS. Finally, the prospects and potential of metal graphitic nanocapsules in theranostic were prospected.