Five-membered heterocyclic N-oxides attracted special attention due to their strong application potential in medicinal chemistry and advanced materials science. In this regard, novel methods for their synthesis and functionalization are constantly required. In this short review, recent state-of-the-art achievements in the chemistry of isoxazoline N-oxides, 1,2,3-triazole 1-oxides and 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxides are briefly summarized. Main routes to transition-metal-catalyzed and metal-free functionalization protocols along with mechanistic considerations are outlined. Transformation patterns of the hetarene N-oxide rings as precursors to other nitrogen heterocyclic systems are also presented.