According to "Drowned in Sound", "Full Collapse" was "instantly hailed an emo classic" upon release. It has influenced acts such as As Cities Burn, My Chemical Romance, and Senses Fail. Rickly would describe "Full Collapse" as a "turning point record" and strongly favor it over most of the band's other work for both its passion and cohesive feel throughout. It has appeared on various best-of emo album lists, having been named in lists by "Consequence of Sound", "Drowned in Sound", "Houston Press", "Kerrang!", "NME", and "Rolling Stone". Similarly, "Understanding in a Car Crash" appeared on a best-of emo songs lists by "Stereogum" and "Vulture".