The film gathered positive reviews from several top critics. Roger Ebert of the "Chicago Sun-Times" enjoyed the film and gave it three out of four stars, stating that ""Final Destination" will no doubt be a hit and inspire the obligatory sequels. Like the original "Scream", this movie is too good to be the end of the road. I have visions of my own". Mick LaSalle of the "San Francisco Chronicle" praised the film, saying "was playful and energized enough to keep an audience guessing". Joe Leydon of "Variety" praised the film, saying "[it generates a respectable amount of suspense and takes a few unexpected turns while covering familiar territory", while Kevin Thomas of the "Los Angeles Times" said it was "a terrific theatrical feature debut for television veterans Glen Morgan and James Wong". Chris Kaltenbach of "The Baltimore Sun" found the film "fitfully thrilling", Maitland McDonagh of "TV Guide" called the film "serviceable enough, if you come to it with sufficiently modest expectations". Marjorie Baumgarten of "The Austin Chronicle" stated the film was "a flawed but often entertaining teen horror flick".