"Zellweger knocks it out of the park, lighting up this punchy and moving late-life biopic with big-hearted, big-voiced panache."
— Kate Stables, Total Film
"No matter how well you know "Over the Rainbow," you may never hear it as heartbreakingly performed as Zellweger sings it here."
— Sara Stewart, New York Post
"A heart-stopping performance by Zellweger, who leaves it all on the floorboards as one of Hollywood's most dazzling and tragic stars."
— Rafer Guzman, Newsday
"Somehow, through the alchemy of acting and makeup and lighting and costuming, all traces of Zellweger are erased, and only Judy remains."
— Alonso Duralde, TheWrap
"Renée Zellweger is over the rainbow and out of this world as Judy Garland in "Judy," a sweet, full-hearted tribute to the beloved screen legend's final days."
— Adam Graham, Detroit News
"It is sad, but it's not grim because Zellweger's utterly convincing performance shows that Judy was hilarious, self-deprecating, an affectionate mom and a loyal friend."
— Chris Hewitt, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Renée Zellweger performs miracles playing Judy Garland: singing her heart out, baring her bruised soul and acting with a ferocity that ultimately rises to a state of grace."
— Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"If there was ever a film that screamed Best Actress Oscar-bait, it’s Judy. But damn, Renée Zellweger is absolutely fantastic in this role, and absolutely deserves Best Actress honors. Yes, I know the year’s not over yet, but the bar is set high."
— Alan Ng, Film Threat
"It's a nuanced, complex, nakedly emotional performance that digs into the darkest psychology of one of our most beloved stars, and demands that, even in her lowest moments, we could never count Judy Garland out. The same goes for Renee Zellweger."
— Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service