Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 reviews: Reactions & more

The highly anticipated third and final installment of the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Vol 3, is almost upon us. While official reviews are yet to be released, early reactions to the film have been positive, with some calling it the best Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame.

The Guardians of the Galaxy team first made their appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and their debut movie directed by James Gunn transformed previously unknown characters into fan-favorites. It also served as a launching pad for one of the most successful and beloved franchises in the MCU.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and Vol 3 is the final chapter in the space bandits’ story. In this film series finale, the team comes together for a final mission to save Rocket’s life, and it promises to be an emotional and action-packed ride.

With only a week left until the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, early reactions to the film have started trickling in. So, here’s all of the reactions so far, as well as when to expect reviews and the all-important Rotten Tomatoes score.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 reactions

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has received unanimous praise in early first reactions, with some calling it the best entry in the MCU since Endgame and others describing it as a perfect end to the trilogy.

In one reaction following the Disneyland Paris screening on April 22, Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell wrote: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is a brilliant end to a brilliant trilogy. It’s very funny, emotional and everybody gets their stand-out moment. Will Poulter’s Warlock is a terrific addition, yet the focus is rightly on telling a satisfying end for the Guardians. Gonna miss them.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is a brilliant end to a brilliant trilogy. It's very funny, emotional and everybody gets their stand-out moment. Will Poulter's Warlock is a terrific addition, yet the focus is rightly on telling a satisfying end for the Guardians. Gonna miss them. pic.twitter.com/ot6L67Q9Cf

— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) April 22, 2023

#GuardianesDeLaGalaxia3 tiene set pieces de acción espectaculares, es divertida, entretenida y emotiva. Es un cierre perfecto y precioso para sus personajes y la saga. Y es la mejor película de Marvel desde Endgame (y Top3 en general) 💜 pic.twitter.com/XI21QgKpqR

— Valentina Morillo (@thursnext) April 22, 2023

El Español’s Valentina Morillo also tweeted: “It has spectacular action set pieces, is fun, entertaining and emotional. It is a perfect and beautiful closure for its characters and the saga. And it’s the best Marvel movie since Endgame (and Top 3 in general).”

Awards Radar editor Joey Magidson wrote: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is full of heart and brought me to tears on multiple occasions,” adding: “It’s not what you’re necessarily expecting, but it really does land. A perfect ending, too.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is full of heart and brought me to tears on multiple occasions. @JamesGunn making it Rocket’s story pays off big. It’s not what you’re necessarily expecting, but it really does land. A perfect ending, too. @Guardians #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 pic.twitter.com/KdLhNUZdj6

— Joey Magidson (@JoeyMagidson) April 28, 2023

Similarly, THR’s Brian Davids said he “teared up” multiple times during the screening. “It’s one of the most emotionally satisfying trilogy cappers ever made, and Rocket’s storyline is as affecting as anything the MCU has ever done. Bravo, @JamesGunn.”

While Den of Geek’s David Crow wrote: “Thank God that James Gunn is back in the MCU. This is easily the best Marvel movie in years and had a real, heartfelt, and surprisingly wistful heart.”

My reaction to #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 : thank God that James Gunn is back in the MCU. This is easily the best Marvel movie in years and had a real, heartfelt, and surprisingly wistful heart.

— David Crow (@DCrowsNest) April 28, 2023

I teared up multiple times during #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy3. It's one of the most emotionally satisfying trilogy cappers ever made, and Rocket's storyline is as affecting as anything the MCU has ever done. Bravo, @JamesGunn. pic.twitter.com/TYdgbkKXWe

— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) April 28, 2023

Steven Weintraub, Collider’s editor-in-chief, added: “Loved #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3. @JamesGunn is leaving Marvel with an exceptional last film and it’s loaded with so many great moments it’s hard to pick my favorite scene. Saw in @IMAX and it was a fantastic presentation. Will miss these misfits a lot.”

Loved #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3. @JamesGunn is leaving Marvel with an exceptional last film and it’s loaded with so many great moments it’s hard to pick my favorite scene. Saw in @IMAX and it was a fantastic presentation. Will miss these misfits a lot. pic.twitter.com/NNIYP6aNT1

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 28, 2023

After seeing it twice I can safely say #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 completes the perfect MCU trilogy. It’s heartbreaking and hilarious and I’ve loved this team from the first ooga shaka. A blast for 10 years 👏

— Emil Franchi (@emil_franchi) April 22, 2023

#GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 is, more than ever, Star Wars as a stoner comedy. Lovable weirdos, big Marvel action and goofy jokes. But nothing can prepare you for all the emotions. Rocket Raccoon’s origin story is beautiful and heart-wrenching.

— Alexander Kardelo (@dunerfors) April 22, 2023

Can confirm that I shed a tear during #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 . And that I would very happily watch an Adam Warlock solo movie. Full review (and interviews with the cast) coming very soon. pic.twitter.com/JqzoybOHQx

— Rory Cashin (@roarEcashin) April 22, 2023

Simply incredible. I can’t imagine #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 being a more perfect ending to James Gunn’s trilogy. Every payoff, every emotion, every character journey. It’s about as good as Marvel movies get. Funny, poignant, exciting, I want to watch it again right now. pic.twitter.com/1d1f6ksQaM

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 28, 2023

Critic Emil Franchi wrote: “After seeing it twice I can safely say #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 completes the perfect MCU trilogy. It’s heartbreaking and hilarious and I’ve loved this team from the first ooga shaka. A blast for 10 years.”

While Gizmodo senior reporter Germain Lussier tweeted: “Simply incredible. I can’t imagine #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 being a more perfect ending to James Gunn’s trilogy. Every payoff, every emotion, every character journey. It’s about as good as Marvel movies get. Funny, poignant, exciting, I want to watch it again right now.”

Are there any Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 reviews?

There aren’t any full reviews of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 yet. The embargo will lift on Friday, April 28, at 10am PT/1pm ET.

Is there a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Rotten Tomatoes score?

No, there’s no Rotten Tomatoes score for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 right now.

There won’t be any score on the website until the review embargo lifts, so check back here when the critics are let loose.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 hits cinemas on May 3 in the UK and May 5 in the US. Find out more about the movie here and our other coverage here.