Homogeneous, translucent and flexible films of chitosan (CH) and ellagic acid (EA) were prepared by solvent casting. Various concentrations of EA (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0% w/w relative to CH) were used in order to evaluate their UV-blocking properties. In addition, the photochemical stability of the films was also studied via artificial solar light irradiation. These set of films display high mechanical properties (Young’s modulus = 3.21–3.57 GPa), thermal stability up to 215–220 °C, UVA- and UVB-barrier properties, moderate water vapor permeability (WVP = 2.82–3.70 g mm m−2 day−1 kPa−1) and maximum antioxidant activity around 28% (DPPH scavenging activity). Furthermore, all CH/EA films show antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens such as Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria due to the CH antimicrobial effectiveness. These bioactive UV-blocking CH/EA films open the way to materials with potential for eco-friendly active packaging. Display omitted •Chitosan (CH) and ellagic acid (EA) films were prepared by solvent casting.•Homogeneous and flexible films with good mechanical and thermal properties.•Translucent CH/EA films display UV-blocking properties.•CH/EA films present high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.•CH/EA films show great promise for eco-friendly active food packaging materials.