Volcanic unrest is related to, and in some cases can cause, large volcanic landslides. Edifice failures accompanied by volcanic landslides are recognized at many stratovolcanoes worldwide in a wide variety of geologic settings. Because of their large volumes (sometimes exceeding 1 km3) and potential runout distance of several kilometers, volcanic landslides constitute significant hazards. Most volcanic slope failures are the result of a number of factors, and generally no single process acting independently initiates volcanic landslides. Important eruptive processes that lead to, or are intimately associated with, volcanic flank failures and landslides are reviewed. Several examples are discussed in the context of the role that eruptive processes play in triggering or leading to landslides.