In a world urgently seeking greener, smarter, and more efficient technologies, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials attracting intense scientific and industrial interest. These naturally occurring, eco-friendly clays feature a unique hollow tubular morphology, tunable surface chemistry, and outstanding biocompatibility traits that position them as transformative agents in fields ranging from medicine and environmental remediation to flame retardancy, cosmetics, and catalysis. This review highlights recent advances in HNT synthesis, surface modification, and multifunctional applications, reflecting a 65% surge in related publications between 2015 and 2022. By 2025, biomedical applications alone are expected to comprise 35% of HNT research, underscoring their growing role in drug delivery, wound care, and antimicrobial systems. HNTs are also proving valuable in real-world innovations from antiviral air filtration during the COVID-19 pandemic to AI-assisted material design. Nonetheless, key challenges persist: variability in natural sources, limited scalability of modification techniques, and a lack of long-term clinical validation. This review emphasizes that bridging these gaps through the integration of nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable chemistry could unlock the full potential of HNTs advancing them from geological curiosity to cornerstone of next-generation smart materials.