In 2006, mainstream critics like Roger Ebert gave the theatrical cut 2.5 stars, calling it "earnest but clunky." However, in the years since, a critical re-evaluation has occurred, specifically aimed at the extended cut. Modern film writers note that:

The Da Vinci Code, directed by Ron Howard, is a mystery-thriller film released in 2006. The movie, based on Dan Brown's bestselling novel of the same name, follows symbologist Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) as he unravels a complex web of secrets and codes related to the Holy Grail.

Beyond the additional minutes, the film is famous for embedding that function as independent puzzles. Blu-ray Review: THE DA VINCI CODE – Extended cut.