This paper focuses on the main progress achieved in the research of marine hydrocarbon source rocks in this decade from aspects of deposition environment, mechanisms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion, evaluation methods and their contribution to petroleum exploration. Specifically, the progress includes the related concepts of multiple-source hydrocarbon generation and dispersed soluble organic matter, new methodologies and their geologic application of comprehensive geochemical recognition and geobiological evaluation system, dynamic modeling of marine organic matter enrichment, and dynamic evolution modeling of multiple source rocks. Moreover, the paper discusses the challenges facing the traditional hydrocarbon generation theories and higher requirements for hydrocarbon generation and accumulation theories adaptable for the exploration in superimposed basins.