The invention belongs to a laser machining technology, and relates to a high-energy short-pulse laser machining method for removing ceramic coatings on metal surfaces. The method comprises the following steps: (1) rapidly removing large-area ceramic coatings in a circular lamp joint way of large-diameter focusing light spot irradiation in a vacuum environment or under a nitrogen protection atmosphere; (2) accurately removing residual small-area ceramic coatings in a circular lamp joint way of small-diameter focusing light spot irradiation. Two light spot scanning ways, namely, point-by-point scanning and layer-by-layer scanning can be adopted. Specific to the requirement of removing ceramic coatings on the surfaces of parts such as single crystal high-temperature alloys, high-strength steel and titanium alloys, surface quality higher than conventional chemical and mechanical methods can be achieved, and metal substrates are not damaged. The method has the advantages of environmental friendliness, high accuracy, high controllability and the like, and has high applicability.