 Writing for "The Spectator" in 1936, Graham Greene gave the film a mildly poor review, explaining that he had "expected there [would be] the usual sentimental exploitation of childhood", but that he "had not expected [Temple's] tremendous energy" which he criticized as "a little too enervating".Film commentator Hal Erickson of "Allmovie" wrote, "The stereotypical treatment of black characters in "The Littlest Rebel" is more offensive than usual, with 'happy darkies' nervously pondering the prospect of being freed from slavery and shivering in their boots when the Yankees arrive.