"Absence of Malice" received mostly positive reviews. Newman and Dillon's performances were praised, as was Brimley's cameo. Many reviewers compared the film to the 1976 Oscar–winner "All the President's Men". In his review, "Time" magazine's Richard Schickel wrote ""Absence of Malice" does not invalidate "All the President's Men". But with entertainment values – and a moral sense – every bit as high as that film's, it observes that there is an underside to journalistic gallantry." Similarly, "Variety" called it "a splendidly disturbing look at the power of sloppy reporting to inflict harm on the innocent."