<p>Natural and synthetic fibers with helical structures have received widespread attention in the fields of materials science and engineering, and important research progress has been achieved in recent years. By regulating the structure and composition, researchers design and prepare helical-structured fiber materials with unique functions and properties. It provides new possibilities for applications in fields such as flexible electronic devices and smart textiles. In general, the research progress of helical structure carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers involves many fields, including material preparation, functional design, application development, etc., providing new ideas and directions for the future development of materials science and engineering. In this paper, different preparation methods, structural characteristics, properties and applications of macroscopic CNT helical fibers are reviewed and analyzed. We focus on the application progress of CNT helical fibers and involve some natural fibers and polymer fibers. Areas of research include artificial muscles, sensors, energy harvesting, and biomedicine. It offers insights into future developments of CNT helical fibers and proposes solutions to challenges faced in practical applications.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>