In its year end review of albums released in 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Rebel Heart at number 45 noting: "How did it take this long for Madonna to write herself a theme song titled 'Unapologetic Bitch'?
For its year end tabulation, Digital Spy listed Rebel Heart at number 10 on the list of Top 25 Albums of 2015 with Lewis Corner noting that the tracks ranged from: "brilliant, dancehall groove to more reflective and somber pop ballads".