As we know, atorvastatin has been widely used to treat hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases. Atorvastatin also has anti-inflammatory effect on inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, etc. However, the underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the progress of Toll-like receptors, inflammasome, microRNAs, small GTPase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors on the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin, in order to provide new evidence for further understanding of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of atorvastatin.