Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 80%~85% of all lung cancer cases. The early diagnosis of NSCLC presents challenges due to limited diagnostic methods and lack of effective biomarkers. Furthermore, surgical intervention in the advanced stages of NSCLC is difficult, and the recurrence rate is high. MicroRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are two crucial types of gene expression regulatory molecules that are widely involved in various biological activities and closely associated with multiple diseases. Quantities of miRNAs and lncRNAs exhibit significant differential expression in NSCLC and play crucial regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of tumors, thereby holding potential as biomarkers for NSCLC. This article reviews the research progress on the regulatory roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the occurrence and development of NSCLC.