The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has led to the investigation of photocatalytic water splitting as a promising technology for hydrogen production. This study explores the potential of transition metal chalcogenides (sulfides, selenides and tellurides) and metal phosphides as highly efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution through photocatalytic water splitting. Innovative techniques, like heteroatom doping, co-catalyst integration, heterojunction development, have successfully tackled challenges such as low conductivity restricted light adsorption. Our review article reveals that these materials exhibit exceptional photocatalytic activity due to their unique electronic and structural properties that facilitate the separation and transportation of electrons and holes. The use of these materials as cocatalysts also significantly enhances their hydrogen evolution activity. Additionally, the review delves into the existing challenges and future prospects. These results suggest that transition metal chalcogenides and phosphides hold great promise as highly effective photocatalysts for hydrogen production through water splitting, with potential implications for the development of sustainable and clean energy technologies. © 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.