On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, "Prom Night" holds a 50% approval rating based on 22 critic reviews, with an average rating of 4.60/10. The consensus reads: "Horror aficionados might have a ball with "Prom Night", but a lack of mystery and inability to capitalize on the dance hall setting makes for a generic night of mayhem.” "AllMovie"s review of the film was generally negative, but wrote that it "utilizes a surprising amount of skill both behind and in front of the camera as it goes through its paces".