•DeLone and McLean success models have not been applied consistently.•This meta-review examined 53 prior studies published between 1992 and 2019.•Dimensionality and interdependence of success dimensions may need attention.•Scope of reciprocal relationships in success models could need reconsideration.•Nomological net for examining information systems success could be crucial. Considerable research has focused on information system success (ISS) over the years largely using the models proposed by DeLone and McLean (DM) in 1992 and 2003. Several relationships found in the DM models have been sporadically supported in empirical research although the complete DM models have not been consistently applied. Studies have also interchanged relationships in the 1992 and 2003 models, tested relationships between ISS dimensions unspecified in the DM models, and examined relationships between ISS dimensions and other factors. This study presents a critical meta-review of 53 studies using DM models published between 1992 and 2019, identifies the state of ISS research, and raises several directions for research.