Extensive research is underway to yield greater insights into the intrinsic properties of electrode materials for lithium storage. Presently, nanostructured thin-film electrodes without any additives and binders used in powder-based electrodes have been employed as the “ideal” system for fundamental research because of their low resistance, cleanliness and purity. This review summarizes the research on, and progress in such nanostructured thin-film electrode materials for lithium storage and for all-solid-state thin film batteries. Nanostructured thin film electrodes with various electrochemical reaction mechanisms based on nanometer-size effects, chemical composition and structure are summarized. Thin film electrodes used in all-solid-state thin film batteries are also described.