 In a review for the Melbourne, Australia newspaper, The Age, Larry Schwartz selected the documentary as "Critic's Choice". Schwartz was critical of Theroux's lack of detachment from his subject matter, "He repeatedly distances himself from the church, expressing his disapproval of their views. But so concerned is he, he seems almost evangelical in his determination to show them the error of their ways." The documentary was highlighted in The Sydney Morning Herald among "The week's best", and critic Greg Hassall characterised it as, "Disturbing, perplexing and very entertaining." The Australia newspaper MX highlighted the documentary favorably, in its column, "Best in show". Cameron Adams of the Herald Sun selected The Most Hated Family in America as his "Top Choice" recommendation. Adams wrote, "A truly disturbing, disgusting and sad documentary. The repellent Shirley Phelps is the outspoken nutbag who got publicity by calling Heath Ledger a' fag enabler 'after his death. This jaw-dropping doco infiltrates Phelps' only-in-America church where her 11 spooky kids regularly picket funerals of US soldiers killed in Iraq – they believe God killed them to show his hatred of how 'depraved' America now is."
