In a retrospective by "Fangoria", Ken Hanley said the film "benefits from solid and focused direction" and "wears its cringeworthy elements as a badge of honor." Film scholar Jessica Robinson also praised the film's depiction of its female characters, writing: "The sorority sisters in "Black Christmas" are set up to be ideal females. They all have long hair, they are concerned with how they look, and they sit on the couch and file their nails. However, unlike stereotypical females, they also drink, cuss, and talk badly about their families."