"Die with a Smile" was met with critical acclaim. Many reviewers praised the vocal interplay, with Brittany Spanos of
Rolling Stone and Stephen Daw of
Billboard noting how the singers' voices complement each other. Critics from
Vulture praised the track's vocal harmonies and restrained approach. Kristen S. Hé remarked on the humility of the performance, observing that the singers' voices intertwine rather than compete, Robin Murray of
Clash, in an eight-out-of-ten review, described it as a 2020s take on classic 1970s duets, noting their "undoubted chemistry." Jordi Bardají of
Jenesaispop labeled it a "timeless ballad", and Sam Damshenas of
Gay Times characterized it as a cinematic pop-rock track with instantly recognizable romantic lyrics. Alexa Camp from
Slant Magazine praised its nostalgic charm and called it a "throwback to the love songs of the last century," Katie Atkinson of the same magazine reflected that she appreciated the song even more over time,
Variety Jem Aswad noted that it meets the scale and impact expected from a high-profile collaboration, Not all assessments were unequivocally positive. Adam White of
The Independent felt the song suited both artists stylistically but argued its artistic merit did not fully match its commercial success, and Paolo Ragusa of
Consequence considered it a satisfying love ballad that does not push either artist into new territory.
Consequence Mary Siroki found the song pleasant but underwhelming compared to the duo's previous work, citing a lack of replay value, Shaad D'Souza of
The New York Times criticized the track for "indulging the singers's weaker stylistic" tendencies toward lounge act–style performance,
Year-end lists The track was included in several year-end lists by music critics and publications.
USA Today ranked it fifth, praising its retro-inspired exploration of enduring love, the complementary styles of the performers, and Mars's rhythmic production, particularly its use of drums to enhance emotional intensity.
The Los Angeles Times placed it at number 17, while
Billboard ranked it 21st, highlighting its timeless production, vocal performances, and replay value.
Billboard Philippines praised the duo's vocal chemistry and emotional harmonies, and Uproxx also listed the song among the year's best, citing its chemistry and vocal delivery.
Comments on the song's placement within Mayhem Following the release of
Mayhem, various journalists discussed how "Die with a Smile" functions within the album. Gaga has described
Mayhem as an intentionally
eclectic project that moves between contrasting sounds and moods before ultimately resolving in love, framing the album as a complete experience rather than a strictly cohesive genre piece. Some critics regarded "Die with a Smile" as an effective closer, arguing that its cinematic and reflective tone provides a coherent conclusion to the record. while David Cobbald of
The Line of Best Fit noted that although its inclusion raises questions about whether
Mayhem was adjusted to accommodate it, the song ultimately does not feel out of place. Writers for
Elle argued that its placement appeared artistically rather than commercially motivated, and Donovan Livesey of
MusicOMH called it an "almost cinematic" finale.
Variety Steven J. Horowitz similarly found it coherent within the album's closing sequence of ballads, though he criticized its lounge-pop stylings as "schlocky". Other reviewers were more skeptical, suggesting that the song clashes with
Mayhem tone or pacing. Writing for
The New York Times, Shaad D'Souza added that the track's significant streaming success also likely informed its inclusion.
Exclaim! and
Stereogum likewise considered it "tacked on", while
The Wall Street Journal Mark Richardson and Robin Murray of
Clash similarly felt that the track disrupts the album's momentum, with Murray describing it as an uneasy tonal contrast. Reviewers from
Atwood Magazine and
Paste also considered its placement anticlimactic.
Billboard Daw characterized it as an "afterthought"—though an effective one if the intention was to close on a gentler moment— == Commercial performance ==