Supramolecular liquid crystals containing inorganic nanoclusters represent a promising avenue in the field of liquid crystals. The main motivation for developing these hybrid materials originates from the value-added combination between functional properties of inorganic nano-objects and the self-assembly behavior of organic liquid crystal molecules. This review highlights the recent progress regarding nanocluster-containing supramolecular liquid crystals. Important factors affecting the liquid crystalline behaviors are systematically described and summarized. The driving forces behind the molecular self-assembly are discussed in depth. Finally, potential applications of the liquid-crystalline nanohybrids are discussed. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry