To date, platinum (Pt)-based materials are among the most commonly used anodic catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) due to their fast kinetics for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). However, the high cost of Pt, along with its poor anti-poisoning properties and stability, has hindered the widespread adoption of DMFCs. Consequently, strategies such as architecture control and composition adjustment have been introduced to reduce costs and enhance activity. This review begins with an introduction to the composition and mechanism of MOR at the anode of DMFCs, as well as the performance evaluation and measurement criteria for MOR and DMFCs. It then systematically discusses strategies like creating nanoclusters, nanowires, nanocubes, and nanospheres, and incorporating different elements to modify the electronic structure of Pt-based materials and improve performance. Special attention is given to the process and mechanism of MOR for these new catalysts. Finally, to accelerate the development of DMFCs, the opportunities and challenges for Pt-based materials in MOR are proposed and discussed.