The hot-spot theory of energetic materials is of great significance in understanding the mechanisms of sensitivity and detonation, in which modeling and calculation methods are widely applied. We reviewed the recent progress in the hot-spot theories by modeling and calculations. According to the multi-scale feature of the hot-spots, the research progress of Alienation Finite Element and Hydrocodes on the mechanism of hot-spot formation induced by micron defects and friction is analyzed on the mesoscopic scale. Meanwhile, that of molecular dynamics simulations and ab initio calculations on the mechanism of hot-spot formation by nanoscale defects and the issues of chemical reactions leading to hot-spot formation is analyzed on the microscopic scale. Thereby, the challenges of current hot-spot theoretical simulations are raised. The supplement of force fields and composite material's constitutive equations, and the elucidation of thermo-mechanical-chemical coupling mechanism in hot-spot evolution will be the research trends in the future.