Twenty years after its release, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is receiving mixed reactions from critics. With a current positive rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film draws attention as Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep reprise their leading roles. David Frankel and Aline Brosh McKenna return as director and screenwriter from the original film. The plot focuses on Miranda and Andy's efforts to restore the reputation of Runway magazine in the digital media age while confronting the decline of print publishing.

David Rooney, the chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, writes that Hathaway is "effortlessly charming" in her role and that the four lead actors easily slip back into their characters. Rooney describes the film as a fashion-focused entertainment piece, noting that it is elevated by its star-studded cast. However, he also mentions that the film has faced backlash from some quarters due to its stereotypical portrayal of East Asian characters.

David Fear from Rolling Stone highlights the changes in the media industry, characterizing the film as a "horror story for journalists, no matter how stylish and glamorous it may appear." Fear emphasizes that journalism, which values integrity, talent, and hard work, is under threat. Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian describes the film as "well-intentioned, lively entertainment," noting that familiar scenes from the original film are reworked and done well.

Brian Truitt from USA Today points out that the sequel has some shortcomings. He mentions that many plot points, such as Andy's attempts to win Miranda back, feel repetitive, and the third act closely resembles the original film. However, the development of the relationship between Andy and Emily is seen as a success, with Emily Blunt's character being appreciated for its deeper exploration. Truitt emphasizes that Justin Theroux's character, Peter, who is a humorous tech enthusiast, is a successful addition to the cast.