[1] The song was originally obtained when one pre-ordered the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack in the United States, beginning on 23 April 2015; it later became available for download on its own.

The song received mixed reviews from music critics, who praised Jessie J's vocal performance, while others dismissed the ballad as generic and predictable.

Hailee Steinfeld performs a version of "Flashlight" titled the "Sweet Life Mix" in the film Pitch Perfect 2.

In a less favourable review, Steven J. Horowitz of Billboard gave the song two stars out of five, saying: "prone to funny bone shout-singing on her more upbeat singles, Jessie J dials back her vocal force on the tepid "Flashlight", off the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack.

The more subtle delivery would be welcome if the track weren't so paint-by-numbers, it plays like a pantomime of a Sia ballad, but without the emotive edge.