Self-assembly has proven to be a powerful tool for the construction of complex superstructures. The assembly of monomers into supramolecular architectures via non-covalent interactions is chiefly directed by the molecular structures, their functional groups, and environmental conditions. The principal advantage of non-covalent interactions is reversibility, which allows the assembly of monomers into supramolecular structures in situ depending on the local conditions. In addition, the supramolecular approach provides a degree of control over self-assembly at the molecular level, thereby influencing the macroscopic level and facilitating tuning of the bulk material properties. This review discusses the meritorious examples of supramolecular materials constructed through the molecular assembly process, guided by the classical principles of supramolecular chemistry. Furthermore, this year (2017) marks the 50th anniversary of supramolecular chemistry in honor of the first example of supramolecular structure reported by Charles J. Pedersen and the achievements in the area of supramolecular chemistry ever since. Many breakthrough developments in the past few decades have been achieved through multidisciplinary research. Supramolecular chemistry has played an extensive role in bridging chemical, physical, and biological sciences together. These interdisciplinary studies benefit our understanding of individual and hybrid systems. The supramolecular approach has emerged as a toolkit with remarkable capability for the assembly of rationally designed building blocks, which precisely organize in three-dimensional space to form intricate molecular assemblies as well as bulk material with functional properties. Because of such potential, supramolecular chemistry has emerged as a platform for the discovery of new systems and/or novel applications for existing ones. This field also holds great promise for advancement in the discovery of a vast array of systems that can be utilized in material chemistry, nanomaterials, soft materials, light-emitting devices, delivery agents, sensors, etc. Self-assembly of molecules through reversible noncovalent interactions has proven to be an attractive tool for the constructions of various supramolecular structures. Such methods are actively emerging as key methods for the development of novel materials for potential applications. The availability of a variety of building blocks offers endless possibilities for the construction of a wide variety of supramolecular materials. This review highlights the examples of functional materials formed through noncovalent molecular assembly process utilising supramolecular chemistry principles. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.