Hans J. Wollstein, writing at Allmovie, concurs that "Drums of Du Fu Manchu" is "one of [Republic's] very best" serials. He does, however, note mistakes such as the misspelling of "Ghengis Khan" and Fu Manchu referring to Mary Randolph as "Miss Parker" but considers them part of the charm of the serial. In terms of acting, Brandon is a "compelling and strangely ageless fiend" while Kellard is "competent as the action hero." Witney and English are afforded the usual praise for their work.