Objective In order to combine the advantages of nano cellulose and graphene, in this paper, we used nanocellulose as matrix, and graphene oxide as reinforcing phase, to fabricate the graphene oxide/nano cellulose composite film. Methods The cellulose nanofibrils were prepared by acid and alkali direct treatment method and acid and alkali alternate treatment. The graphene oxide was prepared by one-step oxidation method and oxidation-expansion cycle method. Then its morphology was observed, and the best preparation process was found out. The tensile strength and wetting property of graphene oxide/ nano cellulose composite film were tested, which was prepared by the optimal process. Results The results showed that the nano cellulose film prepared by the acid and alkali alternate treatment had clear structure, and the diameter of the fibre was 50 nm. The graphene oxide prepared by the oxidation-expansion cycle method had thickness of nanoscale. When the quality ratio of nanofibre and graphene oxide was 20∶1, the tensile strength of the GO/nano cellulose composite film reached 149.68 MPa, which was increased by 19.55% as compared with the pure cellulose film. The contact angle of composite film was greater than that of the pure cellulose film. Conclusion It was confirmed that graphene oxide could improve the nano cellulose film to a certain extent, and that the barrier property of the composite film to water was superior to cellulose film.