LaNiO3 thin film coated Li-rich cathode Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material is fabricated for the first time using the facile sol-gel process. Morphology, structure and battery cycle performance of the LaNiO3-coated Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 is characterized by a series of tests. LaNiO3 coating was synthesized by the sol-gel process and uniformly covered powder surface. By coating proper amount of LaNiO3, the initial Coulombic efficiency, discharge capacity, rate capability and cycle performance are significantly improved, while the charge transfer resistance reduces. The initial Coulombic efficiency of 3 wt% LaNiO3-coating samples reaches the maximum of 70% and 65% at 0.1 C and 1 C rates, respectively. The 3 wt% LaNiO3-coating electrode has the highest initial charge/discharge capacity of 405.4/285.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C rate (1 C = 250 mA g−1), while 5 wt% LaNiO3-coating delivers the maximum value of 264.1/165.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C. The cycling performance profiles demonstrate that at 1 C rate, the 3 wt% LaNiO3-coated electrode exhibits higher discharge specific capacity of 207.6 mAh g−1 and cyclic stability of 190.3 mAh g−1 92% capacity retention after 50 cycles compared with pristine and other content LaNiO3. The film resistance and charge transfer resistance both decrease after coating with LaNiO3. LaNiO3 is an efficient modifier to enhance electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode materials.