Recent advances in functional cellulose-based materials have been reviewed, focusing on their classification, properties, and applications. Cellulose, a biodegradable and biocompatible material, has attracted significant attention due to its abundance and potential for functional modification. This review classifies cellulose based on its morphology, such as nanocrystals, nanospheres, and hollow ring cellulose, as well as its derivatives, including methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate. The review discusses the enhanced mechanical properties, antibacterial characteristics, gas regulation, and hydrophobicity of cellulose-based films. It also summarizes the applications of cellulosic composites in food packaging, medical supplies, and electronic devices. Challenges faced by cellulose-based materials are outlined, along with a novel prospect to accelerate their future development. Cellulose is classified into various forms based on its morphology, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), and stackable two-dimensional nanosheets (CNS). These forms have unique properties that make them suitable for various applications. Cellulose derivatives, such as methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate, have been developed through chemical modifications. These derivatives have been used as adhesives or substrates in food packaging, coating materials, electronic products, and medical supplies. The review highlights the latest advancements in cellulose-based materials used in food packaging, bioengineering supplies, and electrical equipment. It discusses the classification of cellulose and its derivatives based on functional groups and morphology, as well as the enhanced properties of cellulose-based composites. The review also discusses the conventional applications of cellulose-based composites in various domains, such as disposable plastic products, disposable tableware, food packaging, wound dressings, health-monitoring electronic devices, and energy storage devices. Finally, the review highlights the future challenges and prospects of cellulose-based materials.Recent advances in functional cellulose-based materials have been reviewed, focusing on their classification, properties, and applications. Cellulose, a biodegradable and biocompatible material, has attracted significant attention due to its abundance and potential for functional modification. This review classifies cellulose based on its morphology, such as nanocrystals, nanospheres, and hollow ring cellulose, as well as its derivatives, including methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate. The review discusses the enhanced mechanical properties, antibacterial characteristics, gas regulation, and hydrophobicity of cellulose-based films. It also summarizes the applications of cellulosic composites in food packaging, medical supplies, and electronic devices. Challenges faced by cellulose-based materials are outlined, along with a novel prospect to accelerate their future development. Cellulose is classified into various forms based on its morphology, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), and stackable two-dimensional nanosheets (CNS). These forms have unique properties that make them suitable for various applications. Cellulose derivatives, such as methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate, have been developed through chemical modifications. These derivatives have been used as adhesives or substrates in food packaging, coating materials, electronic products, and medical supplies. The review highlights the latest advancements in cellulose-based materials used in food packaging, bioengineering supplies, and electrical equipment. It discusses the classification of cellulose and its derivatives based on functional groups and morphology, as well as the enhanced properties of cellulose-based composites. The review also discusses the conventional applications of cellulose-based composites in various domains, such as disposable plastic products, disposable tableware, food packaging, wound dressings, health-monitoring electronic devices, and energy storage devices. Finally, the review highlights the future challenges and prospects of cellulose-based materials.