An image encryption and decryption algorithm based on Arnod transform and fractional chaos is proposed in this work for solving the problem that the encrypted image is easily cracked and the content of the decrypted image is distorted. To begin with, the Arnold transform is used to encrypt, so that the spatial confidence of the original image has been comprehensively disturbed. Secondly, the XOR involving the fractional order chaotic sequence is used to encrypt. The key sequence is dynamically generated to ensure the randomness and difference of key generation. When decryption is required, the first decryption is performed using the key and XOR. Then, the second decryption is carried out by using the inverse Arnold transform, and finally the decrypted image is obtained. Experimental results show that the improved algorithm has achieved a better performance in encryption and decryption.