The cultivation of microalgae presents a great biotechnological potential, mainly to produce natural bioactive substances, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry and especially in the development of functional foods, thanks to its nutritional properties. Among the commercially important microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis is considered the main source of natural astaxanthin, a carotenoid of high antioxidant action and with wide applications in the nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food and aquaculture industries. This review aimed to cover the most important aspects of biology, biochemical composition, biosynthesis and astaxanthin accumulation in the cells of H. pluvialis, in addition to its broad application to humans and animals. The methodology used in this work was a systematic review of the literature, presenting the gaps and opportunities for research. This work provided a broader view of the technologies and methodologies used to produce H. pluvialis, providing a direction for future work to be undertaken. During the bibliographic survey, it was observed that information regarding the cultivation of H. pluvialis, aiming at the production of astaxanthin, is still very incipient in Brazil, with results observed only on a laboratory scale, making it difficult to really understand the implementation costs for a possible commercial production. This work has started a larger research and will serve as a basis for future activities, mainly to solve possible doubts.