review aggregator rotten tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 33%, based on twelve reviews. kevin thomas of the "los angeles times" wrote, "while 'major payne' is too predictable for most adults, it's an ideal entertainment for youthful audiences that allows damon wayans to be at his best in a dream part." caryn james of "the new york times" wrote, "though the movie is rarely more clever than its title, mr. wayans gives the dark cartoonish comedy an irreverent edge."