The Verdict
"Spike Lee and Denzel Washington remix a classic with vibrantly contemporary results inHighest 2 Lowest, a swaggering thriller that lovingly showcases New York City."
"Spike and Denzel are the lean, mean engine behindHighest 2 Lowest, a cultural gem that cruises through the heart of New York City blasting cool tunes and delivering an unforgettable ride that’s got soul, style, and swagger."
Movie Review and Other Insights
Highest 2 Lowest is a visionary Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama film directed by the acclaimed Spike Lee (Todd Black). Released in theaters on Aug 15, 2025, Limited, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by A24 and distributed by A24, the film features a runtime of 2h 13m.
The story follows when a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), widely known as having the "best ears in the business", is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma. Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's crime thriller High and Low, now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City. Leading the cast are star performers Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R for Brief Drug Use|Language Throughout, Highest 2 Lowest delivers a Dolby Atmos audio experience presented in a Digital 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Spike Lee and Denzel Washington remix a classic with vibrantly contemporary results inHighest 2 Lowest, a swaggering thriller that lovingly showcases New York City."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"With Highest 2 Lowest, the results are uneven, but magical all the same."
"The moral twists that follow...have a simmer, but as soon as the plot moves onto the city’s streets the energy, in both the performances and Lee’s almost joyous camera moves, goes up a satisfying notch."
"Hard to put it in a box. It’s got weak and strong elements. But once it ends, you realize that you’ve just been entertained."
"Spike Lee’s remake of Kurosawa’s High and Low has that distinct feel of a "late" film, the kind a great director makes on autopilot: pleasant enough, competent enough, but strangely limp."
"Highest 2 Lowest has a message that deserves to be told, and there is no better person to do it than Spike Lee."
"Get Lee and Washington throwing everything they have into an exploration of what it truly takes to make a mark, the cost and challenges, and the battle for genuine fulfilment along the way, and the result is all highs and no lows."
Audience Reviews
not bad, but not great
I enjoy this movie, especially because it is a true story in life
I loved how the movie showed how a good man living his dream is willing to risk it all for a friend and relationship with his own son.
Thought provoking, great horror movie
A great mystery with action. Denzel and Jeffery never disappoint.
Denzel and Spike strike again!!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Highest 2 Lowest released?
Highest 2 Lowest hit theaters on Aug 15, 2025, Limited. It became available for streaming on Sep 5, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 13m. It falls under the Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama genre, featuring a sound mix in Dolby Atmos.
Who is the director of Highest 2 Lowest?
The movie is directed by Spike Lee. The script was penned by Alan Fox.
Who are the main actors in Highest 2 Lowest?
The top billed cast includes:
- Spike Lee as Director
- Denzel Washington as David King
- Jeffrey Wright as Paul Christopher
- Ilfenesh Hadera as Pam King
- A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon
Why is Highest 2 Lowest rated R?
It is rated R (Brief Drug Use|Language Throughout)
Which studio produced the movie?
Highest 2 Lowest was produced by A24 and distributed worldwide by A24.
About the movie
NEWWhen a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), widely known as having the "best ears in the business", is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma. Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th in their long working relationship for a reinterpretation of the great filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's crime thriller High and Low, now played out on the mean streets of modern day New York City.
- Director
- Spike Lee
- Producers
- Todd Black, Jason Michael Berman
- Screenwriter
- Alan Fox
- Distributor
- A24
- Production
- A24
- Genre
- Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Release Date
- Aug 15, 2025, Limited
- Run Time
- 2h 13m
- Rating
- R
- Sound Mix
- Dolby Atmos
- Aspect Ratio
- Digital 2.39:1