Multi-storey RC frame has been applied widely because of its flexible layout and economic applicability. Due to the complex behavior of materials and influence on nonstructural components， there is still no generally rational method for predicting the seismic failure mode and evaluating the anti-collapse capacity of RC frame structures. In the past decades，based on the seismic analysis，model tests and FE simulation，massive amount of studies have been carried out to investigate the seismic failure mode and collapse mechanism of RC frame. This paper summarizes these studies from the following aspects：the failure mode and collapse mechanism，the yielding mechanism and the anti-collapse design theories. Furthermore，the latest research progress is presented，the existing problems are pointed out and the research trends are prospected.