Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, with complex and diverse pathological factors. Chronic, persistent stimulation-induced neuroinflammation stands as one of the major pathological contributors. During the pathogenesis of PD, the misfolding of α-synuclein and the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) due to mitochondrial damage both induce the activation of microglia, disrupting the balance of inflammatory cytokines in the brain region and leading to neuronal injury. Consequently, the inflammatory response mediated by microglia serves as a critical link in the pathogenesis of PD and represents one of the most promising therapeutic targets. Therefore, this review summarizes the origin, types, and functions of microglia, as well as their potential mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PD and PD therapies targeting microglia, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the role played by microglia in PD and the underlying potential therapeutic strategies.