I See a Darkness has been recognized in several publications as one of the best albums. Pitchfork ranked it the ninth best album of the 1990s. In 2004, Stylus Magazine placed it at number 171 on its list of the 200 best albums of all time, while Mojo deemed it a "modern classic" and the twentieth best album released during its lifetime. The album is also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

In 2002, Matt LeMay of Stylus Magazine noted the album's powerful sincerity. Reviewing its 2012 reissue, Aaron Lavery of Drowned in Sound described it as Oldham's "finest achievement" and an "essential release" in his discography. Q called it "his masterpiece," highlighting its direct style of songwriting.

Johnny Cash recorded the titular track on his 2000 album American III: Solitary Man, featuring Oldham on background vocals. Steve Adey covered the song on his 2006 album All Things Real, and Rosalía included it on her first album, Los Ángeles, in 2017.