Microorganisms clustered together on surfaces are known as biofilms, which play a crucial role in bacterial infections. Bacteria produce biofilms in response to environmental stresses such as extreme pH and temperature, high concentrations of salt, high pressure, desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, inadequate nutrition, and antimicrobial substances. Biofilm formation requires several genes and proteins involved in adhesion, quorum sensing, cell wall development, stress response, and metabolism. Planktonic bacteria form biofilms through a complex process that involves several phases. Additionally, bacteria utilize signaling molecules to modulate gene expression during quorum sensing, which is essential for biofilm development. The microorganisms within biofilm employ a variety of strategies to resist to antibiotics. A critical component of biofilms is the extracellular matrix, which serves as an architectural scaffold and is responsible for the attachment of biofilm to the surface. Moreover, the ability of numerous bacteria to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms has significant implications in the food industry. This study aims to review the structural characteristics of biofilms, the molecular mechanisms and motivations behind biofilm formation, the genes and proteins required for biofilm development, the mechanisms of biofilm-related antibiotic resistance, the role of quorum sensing, the basic compositions and functions of extracellular polymeric substances, the characteristics of biofilm-forming bacteria, and the development of biofilms in various food industries.