Chitosan-based films have a great interest in the food packaging field due to their antimicrobial activity, physicochemical properties, biodegradability, and capacity for food conservation. Some alternatives studied by researchers to the fabrication of these films are the polymer blends and the incorporation of bioactive compounds, chitosan nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles. These materials give to packaging excellent mechanical and barrier properties, easy biodegradation, and activity against pathogens. In this review are presented the last advances related to chitosan-based films for food packaging applications of which are highlighted the mechanical properties, barrier properties, and antimicrobial activity.