Essential oils have been incorporated into edible/biodegradable films and coatings through emulsification, having an impact on the film structural, physical and bioactive properties. EO addition entails discontinuities in the polymer network, leading to changes in the physical properties (typically some weakening, reduced water permeability and increased opaqueness). Aiming to extend shelf-life and add value to the product, EOs can provide the films and coatings with antioxidant and/or antimicrobial properties, depending both on their composition and the interactions with the polymer matrix. The antioxidant activity depends not only on the specific antioxidant activity of the oil compounds but also on the film's oxygen permeability. The incorporation into edible films can promote the antimicrobial capacity of EOs, and the effectiveness of the edible film against microbial growth will depend on the oil nature and the type of microorganism. More work is necessary in this research area in order to optimize the effectiveness of the bioactive incorporated agents.