Cellulose-based films are increasingly popular in material science due to their abundance, biodegradability, and strong mechanical properties, making them ideal for food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical engineering applications. However, these films often experience excessive shrinkage during formation, which can reduce their effectiveness. This review focuses on the importance of surface tension in the formation and properties of cellulose films, showing how it affects film thickness, uniformity, and mechanical strength. The review explores how chemical modifications, environmental factors, and solvent choices affect surface tension and film properties. Then, it discusses various strategies to control surface tension and reduce shrinkage, such as the controlled drying conditions, plasticizers and use of surfactants. Managing the drying environment, including temperature, humidity, and method, is crucial for controlling surface tension and shrinkage. Plasticizers enhance flexibility, allowing cellulose chains to rearrange during drying, while cationic surfactants reduce shrinkage by modifying cellulose surfaces and stabilizing film structures. Future developments could include new surface modification techniques and the use of nanocellulose to further refine film characteristics. Overall, the ability to control surface tension is key to improving the performance of cellulose-based films, meeting the rising demand for sustainable materials in various industries.