During the past two decades, diamondlike carbon (DLC) films have attracted an overwhelming interest mainly because of their exceptional physical, mechanical, and tribological properties. Mechanically, certain DLC films are extremely hard and resilient, while tribologically, they can provide some of the lowest known friction and wear coefficients. Thus, DLC films can be used to meet the increasingly more stringent operating conditions and multifunctional application needs of advanced mechanical systems. The type of bonds that hold carbon atoms together in DLC depends strongly on the deposition method and/or condition and the type of carbon source being used during the film deposition. Bonding type together with test and environmental conditions can strongly affect frictional behavior of DLC films. Recent studies have shown that the presence or absence of certain elemental species such as hydrogen, nitrogen, silicon, fluorine and metals in their microstructure can also play significant roles in their frictional properties. The main goal of this talk is to provide an up-to-date review of the fundamental mechanisms that control friction and wear behavior of DLC films. We will also present novel design concepts for the formulation of next generation DLC films providing not only superlubricity but also near-wearless sliding capability under dry nitrogen and high-vacuum environments. Finally, We will draw attention to the most recent developments in tribological applications of DLC films in a wide range of engineering fields.