In cell biological functions and viability, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) takes an essential part. miR-195-5p is pivotal in pathogenesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But in HCC, whether there is a connection between CDK1 and miR-195-5p remains an unanswered question. In view of this, this study focuses on exploring the mechanism of miR-195-5p/CDK1 in the progression of HCC. The bioinformatics method was applied to predict target mRNA and upstream miRNAs, and further analyzes the signal enrichment pathway of target mRNA. We utilized qRT-PCR and Western blot for detecting expression of genes, as well as their corresponding protein levels. Cell cycle was assayed through flow cytometry. As for the examination of DNA replication, the EDU staining was employed. Cell proliferation was determined via plate colony formation assay. The combined application of bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase gene assay assisted in figuring out the binding relationship between miR-195-5p and CDK1. DNA damage was marked by immunofluorescence staining. CDK1 was overexpressed in HCC cells, and enriched in cell cycle and DNA replication pathway. Silencing CDK1 modulated cell cycle of HCC cells and inhibited DNA replication and proliferation. In HCC cells, miR-195-5p targeted and reduced CDK1 expression, inhibited the G1 phase-to-S phase transition, induced DNA damage response, and inhibited DNA replication and proliferation. miR-195-5p targeted CDK1 and repressed synthesis of new DNA in HCC cells, thus restraining HCC cell proliferation.