Inhibitors of mitochondrial energy metabolism and production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have been and continue to be highly effective and commercially successfully fungicides. Disruption of this essential cellular function is achieved both by specific interactions with proteins involved in electron transport functions, as well as nonspecific disruption of the mitochondrial membrane's ability to utilize an electrochemical proton gradient to drive ATP synthesis. Given the diversity of respiratory targets susceptible to inhibition that have resulted in both broad‐ and narrow‐spectrum fungicides, it is very likely that additional effective respiration targets that will be identified in the future. Mitochondrial respiration likely will remain a valuable target for identifying new, safe, and effective means to control fungal diseases.