Glenn Kenny of The New York Times found Green and Gold to be a familiar and emotionally manipulative film that presents its protagonist, Buck, as a stubborn yet integrity-driven character, though this portrayal sometimes makes him less likable, leading the story through predictable ups and downs reminiscent of Hallmark movies.

[10] Joe Leydon of Variety described the film as a "ponderous and predictable drama" that, despite Craig T. Nelson's impressive and fearless performance as the stubborn dairy farmer Buck, ultimately fails to surprise or engage due to its reliance on tired tropes and contrived storytelling.

[11] Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times considered Green and Gold to be a surprisingly heartfelt and authentic film that, despite initial expectations of a clichéd sports story, excels in its portrayal of farm life, strong character relationships, and "natural and empathetic" performances particularly from Madison Lawlor, all set against the backdrop of a touching narrative that resonates with emotional depth.

[12] Luna Guthrie of Collider gave the film 9/10 and praised its "sincerity" that masterfully weaves themes of nature, community, and human connection, highlighting its nostalgic, old-fashioned storytelling style and the exceptional performances of Craig T. Nelson and Madison Lawlor, which elevate it beyond typical drama.

[13] Nick Bythrow of Screen Rant also offered a positive review, giving the film a score of 7/10 and commending it as a "heartfelt tribute to rural America" that effectively portrays the strength of family through its simple yet impactful storytelling, strong character arcs, and vibrant cinematography, despite some predictable moments.