<p>Andesite, the hallmark volcanic product of subduction zones, has been central to the study of igneous petrology since the early 20th century. This paper presents a systematic review on the century-long evolution of thoughts on andesite petrogenesis, focusing on eight classic models proposed in the mid-20th century and their seminal literature. Early research sought a single dominant mechanism, successively developing not only process-based models such as fractional crystallization, assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC), and magma mixing, but also source-based models including crustal melting, slab melting, hydrous peridotite melting, and pyroxenite melting. Since the 1980s, a fundamental paradigm shift has occurred, moving from debates over a “single origin” to the construction of a “multi-process coupling” framework. This transition is marked by a global synthesis that integrates source characteristics with magmatic processes within the common context of subduction zones, exemplified by the MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, homogenization) model. After entering the 21st century, the paradigm is being shifted from “either-or” model selection toward a coupled investigation of “source composition” and “process efficiency”. Future challenges lie in precisely constraining the relative contributions of different mantle sources (e.g., peridotite vs. pyroxenite) and quantifying the relative roles of magmatic processes (e.g., partial melting, fractional crystallization, magma mixing, magma assimilation). Deepening our understanding of this multi-process coupled system is a key to decipher the petrogenesis of andesite and subduction zone material recycling with respect to mechanisms of continental crust growth.</p>