Reviews thought that the music and the color effects were not very good. William Petersen's acting was also thought of negatively. The "New York Times" thought the movie was very bad, and so did the "Chicago Tribune". The "Los Angeles Times" said the movie was too much like Michael Mann's television program "Miami Vice"; and so did "Film Threat", who thought that was why the movie did not do very well. The "San Francisco Chronicle" did not like the movie's acting. On the other hand, "Time" magazine liked the movie. It called "Manhunter" "bold" and "intelligent." Leonard Maltin liked the movie, and called it "gripping".