Plastics are extensively utilized across various industries due to their affordability, chemical stability, insulation properties, durability, and resistance to water. Nowadays, plastics have become an integral part of modern society, while microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are rapidly accumulating in soil, which could have detrimental effects on both ecosystems and human health. This review first analyzes the latest literature on MPs, soil and plant, and analyzes the future research trends. The review encompasses the latest findings on the effects of MPs and NPs on higher plants, elucidating the mechanisms of MPs and NPs absorption by plants from the soil and their resulting phytotoxicity. Furthermore, the review underscores the imperative for further investigations aimed at comprehending the long-term repercussions of MPs and NPs on plant growth, physiology, reproduction, and their potential entry into the food chain. Notably, NPs exhibit a unique propensity to translocate via the xylem to various plant organs, including seeds, raising concerns for human health, given their heightened uptake by plant roots compared to MPs. In addition, the impacts of MPs and NPs in conjunction with other environmental contaminants might be amplified. Finally, important concerns and potential future research initiatives in the area are considered. The authors call for urgent action to address the problem of plastic pollution and suggest that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to find solutions to this global problem.