The treatment of colorectal tumors is one field of oncotherapy that continues to evolve and includes targeting the role of autophagy. Autophagy can either promote or prevent oncogenesis, but this two-edged phenomenon has been investigated and used in clinical trials. This review looks at the various targeting pathways that can either prevent or promote colorectal cancer progression. It even discusses the role of autophagy in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancers. Successes achieved largely depends on the type of modifications employed.