The mechanical behavior of nanolaminates is dominated by interfaces that act as sources, barriers, and preferred sites for storage and dynamic recovery of glide dislocations. In this article, the deformation mechanisms of a variety of metal-based nanolaminates are reviewed with emphasis on unusual mechanical properties such as ultra-high flow strength without loss of plastic deformability. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT This paper reviews the current understanding of the mechanisms and mechanics of nanolaminated composites, and discusses the future direction in predicting the mechanical behavior of laminated composites.