Graphene has attracted various academic and industrial interest due to its unique electrical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties. The exceptional lamellar structure of graphene and its derivatives have been identified as anti-corrosive additives in the formulation of polymeric coatings. Graphene can prevent the diffusion of oxygen and water molecules to the surface of meta-based materials by creating highly tortuous pathways, thereby protecting the metal from oxidation-corrosion. In this paper, the utilization of graphene and its derivatives in the formulation of various polymer matrices as barrier coatings was explored. This review paper introduces the fundamentals and the current progress of anti-corrosive coating technology. The most commonly used synthesis methods of graphene-based polymer composites (GPC)such as solution and melt mixing, and in-situ polymerization are compiled. An emphasis is given to the mechanism of barrier properties provided by GPC's in terms of their state of dispersion and the intrinsic properties. The advantages and limitations are also discussed to address the challenges for future research and potential applications of graphene-based polymer composites. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.