Journal bearings are typically lined with thin coatings that enhance tribological properties with respect to the underlying structural material. Traditionally, white metal coatings have been used, but they are currently being replaced to improve environmental sustainability, mechanical and thermal properties, wear resistance, and to reduce friction. This paper reviews recent progress in advanced materials for bearing coatings. After reviewing different materials and their deposition technologies, testing methods for evaluating materials performance are analysed. The results from comparative tests are presented. Furthermore, a unified comparison of tribological properties across different experiments is shown. Then, numerical modelling techniques are discussed. Based on the findings, conclusive recommendations for future bearing coating development are provided.