Improved films that contain molecular composites or block copolymers of lyotropic liquid crystalline polymer and thermoplastic polymer can be made by the steps of:(1) washing a dope film, that contains a solvent and the molecular composite or block copolymer;(2) stretching the wet, never-dried film from Step (1) in at least one direction; and(3) drying the film from Step (2).The films have improved mechanical properties and can be used in structural applications.