Certain fungi can slowly break down polyethylene, the world’s most widely used plastic, using powerful extracellular enzymes that oxidize and weaken plastic chains. This review identified 26 cultivable fungal genera capable of degrading polyethylene, with Aspergillus most frequently reported, while fungi from aquatic environments, especially Alternaria alternata, showed the highest degradation rates. Across studies, fungal treatment led to measurable plastic weight loss, surface cracking, and chemical changes over weeks to months, with pre-treatments and mixed fungal consortia significantly speeding the process.