<p>This research article explains the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate)/zirconium oxide (PMMA/ZrO₂) nanocomposite films via a solution casting technique. The fabricated nanocomposite films were examined for their structural, morphological and optical properties through X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Fourier infrared transform, UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric test was performed to check the thermal stability of nanocomposite films, and the mechanical properties assessed using a universal testing machine. XRD pattern of samples shows the formation of pure PMMA films and the successful incorporation of ZrO₂ nanofillers into polymer matrix and the results are in agreement with the FTIR results. UV–Vis absorption analysis revealed that the absorption onset of PMMA films shifted toward a longer wavelength and band gap decreases with an increasing content of ZrO₂ nanofillers. The photoluminescence spectra exhibited the significant twofold enhancement of photoluminescence intensity and a redshift in the emission peak of PMMA films as the content of ZrO₂ nanofiller increases. The mechanical properties of composite films, namely yield stress, break strain and break energy, are significantly modified. The sample with 3 wt% nanofiller exhibited the good mechanical strength, including a break energy of 4665&#xa0;MJ/m³ and a break stress of 3.390&#xa0;MPa and its superior photoluminescence intensity making it suitable composite material for denture-based applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p>Schematic representation for properties of the fabricated nanocompositefilms.</p> <p></p>