Context: Intensive use of pesticides in rice paddies is harmful to both human health and biodiversity. As rice farmers tend to overuse pesticides, especially in the tropics, the use of decision support tools is one way for pesticide reduction. Various models have been developed to simulate the development of rice pests, or the impact of pests on the rice crop. Objective or research question: The objective of the review is to identify modeling approaches that may be useful for agroecological protection of rice crops against a wide range of pests, but not to provide an exhaustive review of models. We analyzed the scientific literature on rice pest, crop models integrating pest levels, and rice croppest models according to the number and type of pests simulated, the structure of the model, whether cropping practices are included in the simulation, the consideration of pest damages and yield losses, and hence the actual use of these models to improve crop protection strategy. Methods: We analyzed a total of 78 articles and 56 original models based on their structure, inclusion of pests, and cropping practices. Results: We identified 35 articles using pest models to simulate pest injuries; 34 articles using crop models to simulate the pest damages on yield losses; and 9 articles using crop-pest models to simulate the interactions between pest dynamics and crop growth. Conclusions: Different types of models offer different uses for ACP strategies. An innovative conceptual model for agroecological rice protection is proposed. Implications or significance: The presented review is a springboard to future modeling developments useful for agroecological rice protection. Combined with other approaches, such as field experiments and demonstrations, farmer workshops, teaching and training, specific advices to farmers, modeling approaches can help design more sustainable rice-based cropping systems.