The pollution associated with hydrocarbons is one of the biggest threats to the environment, especially marine resources and wildlife. To date, numerous solutions have been proposed and implemented for treatment of individual hydrocarbons and oil as a whole. Of these options, sorbent-based removal is an efficient, easy, and economical method. A paradigm shift toward use of highly effective sorbents is needed for such applications. In this respect, the feasibility of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites has been investigated intensively. This review provides an extensive analysis of the performance of MOF-based adsorbents for the removal of diverse hydrocarbons (from gas and aqueous phases). To learn more about the essential features of MOFs in these applications, we describe the basic mechanisms and key parameters of adsorption along with possible routes for the enhancement of sorption capacity of sorbents and their potential for recycle and reuse. Finally, we discuss the challenges of using MOF-based adsorbents for hydrocarbons related pollution and provide recommendations to expand future opportunities. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.