Emilio Estévez is the eldest child of actor Martin Sheen, and his siblings are Ramón Luis Estévez, Charlie Sheen, and Renée Estévez. Emilio did not adopt his father's stage name as he wanted to get roles without relying on his father's success. He is most famous as part of the 1980s Brat Pack group of actors, having starred in The Breakfast Club (1985) and St. Elmo's Fire (1985). He also appeared in the cult film Repo Man (1984), as the punk-rocker turned car-repossessor Otto. Estévez is probably most recognizable among younger audiences for his role in The Mighty Ducks movie series.

Estévez was briefly married to singer-choreographer Paula Abdul. He has two children with ex-girlfriend, model Carey Salley: a son Taylor Levi Estévez (born in June 1984) and a daughter Paloma Rae Estévez (born in February 1986).

Most recently, he has directed episodes of the TV series, Cold Case, Close to Home, The Guardian and CSI: NY. Films he has directed include Men at Work, The War at Home and Bobby.