Magnetism has played a central role in the long and rich history of modern condensed matter physics, with many foundational insights originating from theoretical studies of two-dimensional (2D) spin systems. The discovery of 2D van der Waals (vdW) magnets has revolutionized this area by providing real, atomically thin magnetic systems for experimental investigation. Since the first experimental reports of antiferromagnetic vdW insulators in 2016—followed by studies on ferromagnetic vdW systems in 2017—the field has witnessed rapid and expansive growth, with more than two dozen vdW magnetic materials now identified, including both ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the major scientific and technological developments in this rapidly evolving field. These developments include experimental realizations of various 2D spin Hamiltonians, as well as unexpected phenomena such as magnetic excitons, Floquet-engineered states, and light-induced metastable magnetic phases. In parallel, 2D vdW magnets have shown significant promise in spintronics and related applications, offering a new platform for engineering quantum functionalities. This review traces the historical development of the field, synthesizes key milestones, and highlights its broader impact across condensed matter physics and materials science. The review concludes by outlining several promising directions for future research, charting a path forward in this vibrant and still rapidly growing area.

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• Excitons
• Light-matter interaction
• Magnetism
• Materials
• Spintronics
• 2-dimensional systems
• Antiferromagnets
• Ferromagnets
• Hamiltonian systems