The interesting properties of redox-responsive ferrocene-containing polymers attached or confined on (non-)functional flat substrates, nanoparticles, in pores, in gels or at the surface of electrodes have led to manifold interesting applications utilizing their stimuli-responsive nature. Synthetic aspects for different immobilization strategies will be covered briefly, as will addressing the polarity of such materials (electro)chemically (e.g. for switching surface properties, permeability and for controlled release), host–guest complexation of ferrocene with cyclodextrins (e.g. for creating self-healing materials); novel sensing applications, as ceramic precursors and optical applications. The concepts presented herein show that confined and immobilized metallopolymers are promising candidates for the preparation of a variety of next generation high-tech materials.