Inspired by the hierarchical structure of nacre, we propose an environmentally friendly method for fabricating durable and flame-retardant films using chitin, a readily available biopolymer. Chitin was phosphorylated to make it water-soluble. To construct mechanically strong, colorful, and flame-resistant multilayered films inspired by nacre, layer-by-layer (LbL) and vacuum-assisted filtration (VAF) self-assembly were used. Multilayered thin films containing graphene oxide (GO), laponite (LAP), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and phosphorylated chitin (p.Chitin) were dip-coated on pre-activated silicon wafers and quartz slides. The selected components were assembled into thin films with architecture (PVA/p.Chitin/LAP/GO)n, with a total number of layer pairings (n) of 50, based on their functionality and intrinsic reactivity. A UV-Vis spectrophotometer and an ellipsometer were used to measure the film growth after each layer pair was deposited. Photographic images showed a sheen comparable to that of the mother of pearl, while SEM micrographs of films revealed a nacre-like layered structure. Nanoindentation study showed a reduced modulus of 25.53 GPa and a hardness of up to 1.45 GPa, demonstrating mechanical properties that are similar to the nacre. In addition, multilayered films exhibited iridescence and attractive flame retardancy. We propose that embedding chitin in materials for food packaging, barrier, and electronic materials offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly coatings.