An optical film includes: a protective layer; and a contrast ratio improvement layer including a first resin layer and a second resin layer facing the first resin layer, the second resin layer and the first resin layer being sequentially stacked from a lower surface of the protective layer, wherein the second resin layer has a refractive index greater than that of the first resin layer. The first resin layer has a patterned portion with at least two embossed optical patterns and flat sections immediately adjacent to and between the embossed optical patterns. The patterned section is in at least a portion thereof facing the second resin layer. A polarizing plate including the optical film and a liquid crystal display apparatus including the polarizing plate are also provided.