Temperature-responsive films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) were facilely fabricated by one-step plasma-initiated polymerization and then functionalized by self-polymerization of dopamine on the surface. High retention of the monomer structure and temperature-responsive properties in PNIPAM films were confirmed. After plasma-initiated polymerization, PNIPAM films formed protrusions and ridges surfaces. Moreover, cross-linker of N,N '-methylenebisacrylamide with different dosage was introduced into the systems to effectively modulate the roughness of PNIPAM films and to supply better adhesive surface. Furthermore, in cell culture, satisfactory survival rate of the attached Hela cells was obtained on PNIPAM films, and the cell viability was improved further on PNIPAM/PDA films. The results indicated that such films might be applicable in medical treatment and tissue engineering, due to their adjusted adhesion ability and less toxicity to cells.