Abstract TiO2, ZrO2 and layer-by-layer TiO2–ZrO2 films were prepared by doctor blade method followed by sensitization with natural dye for dye-sensitized solar cell application. The structural and optical, morphological and compositional properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction and UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, BET, surface profilometer and energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer, respectively. Dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated using the prepared electrodes of TiO2, ZrO2 and layer-by-layer TiO2–ZrO2 films sensitized with natural dye extracted from Pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius). The J–V characteristics were recorded to measure photo-response of fabricated devices and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study the electron behavior, series resistance and lifetime. Photovoltaic parameter like short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency were evaluated for fabricated solar cell under artificial light supplied from white LED (15 mW·cm−2). The average values of power conversion efficiency of DSSCs fabricated with TiO2, ZrO2 and layer-by-layer TiO2–ZrO2 photoanodes were found to be 0.65%, 3.04% and 3.13%, respectively.