Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have high theoretical specific capacity and excellent safety performance, and have been widely used in lithium ion batteries (LIBS). Today, research on transition metal oxides has not been interrupted. However, in practical applications, transition metal oxides still have the disadvantages of severe volume expansion and poor cycle stability. After continuous exploration, researchers have found that combining transition metal oxides with carbon matrix can solve this problem well. Therefore, this article reviews the latest developments in transition metal oxide carbon-based (Porous carbon-based, Biological carbon-based, Graphene carbon-based and MXene carbon-based) composite materials for lithium-ion battery anode materials. In addition, we analyzed the current challenges of composite materials research and put forward our own views. Finally, the future development direction of composite materials in the field of energy storage is prospected.