Recent studies have found that the matrix protein of paramyxoviruses is a multifunctional viral protein. In addition to inhibiting the transcription and translation of cell genes, regulating the replication and transcription of viral genome and recruiting cellular proteins to facilitate viral assembly and budding, the matrix protein can enhance the replication of paramyxoviruses through its ubiquitination and phosphorylation. However, as a member of paramyxoviruses, the matrix protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is only demonstrated to participate in viral assembly and budding. Moreover, the functions of matrix protein identified in other paramyxoviruses still remain unknown in NDV. This review compares the functions of matrix protein between NDV and other paramyxoviruses, and focuses on the relationship of matrix protein to the virulence, replication and pathogenicity of NDV. Meanwhile, challenges and research prospects of NDV matrix protein are also discussed.