Solvent effects on the UV/vis spectra of metallopthalocyanines (MPcs) have been interpreted using the red-shift index concept (R s I). The concept connects empirically, direct, experimental, easily accessible optical spectral data, which are explained by considering the differential behavior of the solute–solvent interactions at the ground state and excited state using the spectral values of MPcs along with the derived concept, called the associated solvation energy (ASE). R s I is formulated from three fundamental parameters, which are: ground state electronic absorption spectrum, polarization red-shift and a scaling factor of MPc (N dye) in the respective solvents. The R s I is a reflection of the index value of the chromophore substituent of MPc in the solvent; thus, the concept can be used as a solvatochromic parameter to study a wide range of supramolecular and heterocyclic compounds that can be modified at their periphery or ‘handles’. Particularly, in this study, the concept has been used to rank MPc candidates by using the statistical mean performance of the solvatochromic parameters, which are red shift index, polarizability efficiency and ASE. We hereby review the solvent effects on the UV/vis spectra of substituted and unsubstituted MPcs.