This paper reviews experimental research on nanocomposite coatings of different chemical composition. For adaptive multi-element and multi-layer systems with specific phase composition, structure, substructure, stress state and high functional properties, formation conditions are reviewed; the behavior under extreme conditions and in tribological applications is examined; the structural, phase, and chemical composition, and the hardness, friction and wear at elevated temperatures are discussed; and the adhesive strength of hierarchical protective coatings is analyzed. Finally, the adaptive behavior at different tribological test conditions of multifunctional, multi-layer coatings as a function of their properties and structure is examined.