The film received generally negative reviews from critics and grossed $32.2 million at the worldwide box office.

In new interviews with Bieber, the movie reveals long-awaited answers to questions about his passion to make music, relationships and coming of age in the spotlight as well as never-before-seen concert footage, and behind-the-scenes access.

The film also features interviews with Justin's mother Pattie Mallette, mentor Usher Raymond IV, manager Scooter Braun, recording artist Ludacris, as well as others.

David Edelstein of Vulture said, "My 15-year-old daughter beliebes with all her heart that Justin is everything he appears to be: an angel from on high (he descends to the stage on giant wings fashioned from guitars, drums, and other implements of his magic) but also humble, a guy in a room writing songs from the heart, songs he needs so bad just to get out.

In one number, he tells his fans that he needs a safety belt and lifts his shirt to put it on, revealing his well-defined abs.

Todd Gilchrist of The Wrap said, "Ultimately, it's hard to look at the film from any sort of non-fan perspective and not see it as less than hagiography – a tribute to Bieber's success, and a complimentary portrait of how well he's supposedly dealt with it.

"[22] Stephanie Merry of The Washington Post wrote the film "reveals little about the singer", adding "it offers no insights and few anecdotes about the real Justin Bieber".

"[23] Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times criticized the film writing "talent is perhaps the least interesting thing about him" although stating in favor of fans that "those as hopelessly devoted may get something out of Believe but they deserve more.

O'Mally said the film was "a strangely uneven experience, and you sense that there may be some really interesting questions that could be asked and answered, if everyone could stop being so in awe of the young pop-music god in their midst.