CoO-Co nanocomposite films were successfully deposited at room temperature by pulsed laser deposition as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The prepared nanocomposite exhibited enhanced performance, such as excellent cycling stability (830mAhg−1 at a specific current of 500mAg−1 after 200 cycles) and high rate capability (578mAhg−1 at 10,000mAg−1). The outstanding electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the nanocrystalline structure of CoO and the presence of Co nanoparticles, which could sustain high strain, enhance reaction kinetics and improve conductivity.