The film received mixed reviews.[8][9] Jay Weissberg praised the film in Variety as an "expertly modulated choral drama".[10] Stephen Dalton writing for The Hollywood Reporter gave a negative review, noting, "The take-home message that historical narratives are always complex and contentious, especially in the Balkans, is unquestionably true but hardly a profound insight. Not quite a political thriller, not quite a provocative drama, not quite an inspired stage adaptation, Death in Sarajevo is a minor addition to Tanović's illustrious body of work."[11]
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that the film has an overall approval rating of 76%, based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10.[12]