This paper reviews the major phases occurring during an energetic molten fuel/coolant interaction (MFCI), the categories of interaction and modes of contact between molten fuel and liquid coolant, the film boiling destabilization and collapse mechanisms, and the important fragmentation mechanisms of the melt. Two major models that describe the processes involved in an MFCI event are discussed: the spontaneous nucleation model and the pressure detonation model. Finally, the MFCI experiments involving carbide fuel and liquid sodium are reviewed and the potential for an energetic interaction between molten carbide fuel and liquid sodium is discussed. Recommendations are given for future work on MFCI phenomena relative to the carbide fuel/sodium system.