Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) based on atherosclerosis remain the main reason for death in Western countries and China. Cardiovascular research has demonstrated that its pathogenesis is closely associated with endothelial cell (EC) injury, the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the abnormal biological behaviour of macrophages. In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have received much attention for their unique role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms associated with ECs, VSMCs, and macrophages in atherosclerosis and summarized the role of circRNAs in atherosclerosis. This review aims to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.