Abstract The C 19 norcembranoid and C 20 cembranoid diterpenoids represent an intriguing class of natural products found in both marine and terrestrial environments. These complexes, with a highly oxygenated state and compact polycyclic structures, have captured the synthetic interests due to their unique bioactivities. Over the past two decades, the total synthesis of these natural products has been a challenging task, driven by their intricate structural features. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in the total synthesis of various norcembranoid and cembranoid diterpenoids, focusing on their transformations and the latest breakthroughs in this field.