Due to the success of lead single "Crocodile" and the use of "To Heal" as a central theme in the film Sunshine, Oblivion with Bells has sold over 93,000 copies worldwide, as of 23 May 2008.

AllMusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars saying "The acid techno is firmly in place, with little or no regard for developments in the form after the '80s.

Still, unlike other electronica mainstays who have occasionally revealed a little weariness – either from trying to change or trying to stay the same – Underworld never sound particularly tired on Oblivion with Bells".

Drowned in Sound gave the album 6/10 saying that "After an auspicious introduction Oblivion With Bells has disappointingly descended into an irreconcilable docile abyss".

Additional track on the Japanese release (Traffic, TRCP10): To Heal appears as part of the score for the movie Sunshine.