Abstract Hard and brittle materials (HBMs) are promising materials for aerospace and astronomy applications, due to their excellent mechanical, optical, and chemical properties. However, they are difficult and costly to machine using conventional machining methods such as single point diamond turning. Laser assisted machining uses a focused laser beam to heat local areas of the workpiece and remove softened material from the ductile region, leaving high quality and crack-free surfaces. Over the past decades, the study of laser assisted machining of HBMs has been attracting progressively more interest from researchers in academia and industry. This paper serves as a state-of-the-art review with a particular focus on typical HBMs and their machining challenges; the mechanism of laser heating and thermal analysis; pre-heat and in-process-heat laser assisted machining methods; and optimizing the machining quality of laser assisted machining. The review also presents a perspective on future development trends for laser assisted machining technology.