[7] On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 68% Fresh rating, with the site's critical consensus reading "Although occasionally muddled, A Glitch in the Matrix is a thought-provoking portrait of digital culture and its relationship to reality."

Wendy Ide of Screen International called the documentary "fascinating, mind-expanding, infuriating, bewildering," and "bracingly ambitious" in a positive review.

[8] John DeFore of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that "though it leaves some avenues under-explored and gives a bit too much attention to the sci-fi landmark name-checked in its title, the film makes for engrossing, sometimes unsettling viewing" in another mostly positive review.

[6] Leslie Felperin of The Guardian gave the film 3/5 stars, stating that "what's missing from this fecund brew, which you could imagine being twice as long, is any kind of judgment or analysis of the subjects.

"[9] Noel Murray from the Los Angeles Times wrote that "while the doc may be overlong, it's consistently fascinating because of its implications" in a mixed review.