Laser surface modification of materials by melting and annealing has been the subject of considerable interest as a means of enhancing the corrosion performance of metallic alloys. Microstructural modification without changing surface chemical composition, in terms of homogenization/refinement of microstructures, dissolution/re-distribution of intermetallic particles, and extended solid solubility, resulting from rapid rates of cooling, provides the basis for property enhancement. This paper reviews authors’ work on laser surface melting (LSM) and laser annealing (LA) for the purpose of improved corrosion performance. Microstructural evolution and corrosion performance in a range of metallic alloys, followed by different treatments with different types of lasers, are presented. For LSM of aerospace aluminium alloys, the corrosion mechanisms of the laser-melted alloys have been discussed in the consideration of electrochemical characteristics of intermetallic particles with respect to the aluminium matrix and cooling rates leading to different degrees of refinement/removal of intermetallic particles. For LA of amorphous electroless Ni-W-P plating, porosity formation and grain growth and microstrain/residual stress resulting from laser-induced nanocrystallization are the major concerns, affecting corrosion performance. In addition, potential applications of LSM as pre-treatment method prior to conventional anodizing or post-treatment of thermal sprayed coatings have been demonstrated.