Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 96% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 53 reviews, with an average rating of 7.77/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "A stunning feat of modern animation, "Ghost in the Shell" offers a thoughtful, complex treat for anime fans, as well as a perfect introduction for viewers new to the medium." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 76 out of 100 based on 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".