In recent years, various methods have been developed for the synthesis of single phase ferrite nanomaterials. Most approaches involve the use of high temperatures or the preparation of powders. Ceramic/metal nanocomposites and composite thin films have attracted much attention because of their unique mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Here, we introduce a new kind of magnetic material, which we have called ferrite/metal composite thin films. Spinel thin films M Fe2O4/Fe (M = Zn, Mg) with controlled grain sizes and shapes were directly fabricated on an Fe substrate by a soft solution processing route at temperatures below 200 degreesC. The cooperative magnetic performance of the ferrite/Fe composite thin films was found to be much improved compared to that of single-phase ferrite products, the ferrite/Fe thin films displayed superparamagnetism.