Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are back for a fifth collaboration, adapting a Kurosawa classic into a modern New York crime thriller. Here is everything you need to know about Highest 2 Lowest including release dates, cast, and where to watch it.

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Release year: 2025 ·
Director: Spike Lee ·
Spike Lee–Denzel Washington collaborations: 5th film together ·
Genre: Crime thriller ·
Theatrical run: Limited release

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact release date (month/day) – conflicting reports
  • Full cast list beyond leads
  • Streaming platform confirmation
  • Budget, runtime, rating
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Watch in theaters starting August 2025
  • Stream on Apple TV+ from September 2025
  • Check local listings for limited release

The spec table below pulls together the core production details from multiple sources.

Key facts at a glance
Attribute Detail
Title Highest 2 Lowest
Release year 2025
Director Spike Lee
Lead actor Denzel Washington
Number of Lee–Washington collaborations 5
Source material Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low (Wikipedia)
Current availability Limited theatrical run

Where can I watch Highest 2 Lowest?

As of August 2025, Highest 2 Lowest is in limited theatrical release across the U.S. The film will arrive on Apple TV+ on September 5, 2025, according to the official trailer from A24 (the distributor).

Can I watch Highest 2 Lowest on Netflix?

No, Highest 2 Lowest is not on Netflix. The streaming rights belong to Apple TV+, as reported by AppleInsider (tech news site).

How to watch Highest 2 Lowest?

There are two paths:

  • In theaters: Check local listings for limited showings starting August 2025. CBR (entertainment news) confirmed a limited theatrical debut.
  • Streaming: Subscribe to Apple TV+ and tune in on September 5, 2025.

The pattern: a short window for theatergoers, then a wider streaming release. For fans outside the U.S., Concrete Playground (Australian lifestyle site) notes that Australia and New Zealand release details have not yet been announced.

Bottom line: The film is a limited theatrical experience first. Apple TV+ subscribers get access from September 5. International viewers should check local distributors.

What is Denzel Washington’s newest movie called?

His newest film is titled Highest 2 Lowest, a crime thriller directed by Spike Lee and released in 2025. The film is an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low, which itself was based on Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom (Wikipedia).

What is Highest 2 Lowest about?

While the full plot remains under wraps, the trailer suggests a moral thriller set in the music industry, with Denzel Washington playing a record executive named David King (Rotten Tomatoes). The story follows a kidnapping aftermath, echoing the high-stakes moral dilemma of Kurosawa’s original.

Why this matters

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have tackled crime, race, and justice before. Here they’re updating a Japanese classic in a New York setting, which could be a fresh take on the original’s themes of class and greed.

What is the release date of Highest 2 Lowest?

Multiple sources cite different dates, so here’s the timeline:

  • Cannes premiere: May 19, 2025 (Wikipedia)
  • Limited theatrical: August 15 or August 22, 2025 (depending on source; A24 YouTube says August 15, Variety says August 22)
  • Apple TV+ streaming: September 5, 2025 (consistent across A24, AppleInsider, and CBR)

When did Highest 2 Lowest come out?

The film premiered at Cannes in May 2025. The U.S. theatrical release is scheduled for August 2025, with streaming in September. The exact theatrical date is still a bit blurry between August 15 and August 22, but the streaming date is solid.

The catch

If you prefer the big screen, mark both August 15 and August 22 on your calendar. The earlier date comes from A24’s own trailer, the later from Variety. Either way, you’ll have a window of about two weeks before it hits Apple TV+.

Who is in the cast of Highest 2 Lowest?

Denzel Washington leads the cast as David King. Joining him are:

  • Jeffrey Wright as Paul Christopher (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Ilfenesh Hadera as Pam King (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • A$AP Rocky as Yung Felon (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Aubrey Joseph as Trey King (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Dean Winters as Detective Higgins (Rotten Tomatoes)
  • Ice Spice as Marisol Cepeda (Rotten Tomatoes)

What is the cast of Denzel Washington’s new movie?

The cast includes familiar faces like Jeffrey Wright and Dean Winters, plus musicians A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice in acting roles. This is the fifth film collaboration between Denzel Washington and Spike Lee, following Malcolm X, Inside Man, He Got Game, and Mo’ Better Blues.

Bottom line: The cast blends seasoned actors with fresh talent. For fans of Spike Lee’s collaborations, the return of Jeffrey Wright is a strong draw.

What are Denzel Washington’s upcoming films?

Highest 2 Lowest is his most recent 2025 release. Beyond this, Denzel Washington has several projects in development, but concrete details are not yet available. According to IMDb, his upcoming roles include a mystery project and a biographical drama, but no dates have been confirmed.

What is the next Denzel Washington movie after Highest 2 Lowest?

Currently, no official next film has been announced. His schedule is closely watched, but fans may need to wait for the end of the 2025 awards season for new announcements.

Here is the full set of specification details compiled from verified sources.

Specifications at a glance
Specification Detail
Title Highest 2 Lowest
Director Spike Lee
Starring Denzel Washington
Genre Crime thriller
Based on High and Low by Akira Kurosawa
Runtime Not yet confirmed
Theatrical release August 2025 (limited)
Streaming release September 5, 2025 (Apple TV+)
Cannes premiere May 19, 2025
Distributor A24

The implication: the film is positioned as an auteur-driven event release, with a festival launch, a short theatrical window, and a wide streaming platform.

How to watch Highest 2 Lowest: A step-by-step guide

  1. Check local theaters: Visit CBR or your local cinema website for showtimes. The limited release may not be in all cities.
  2. Plan your theater date: The film is expected to be in theaters from mid-August 2025. Choose a date between August 15 and August 22 if possible.
  3. Set a streaming reminder: If you prefer to watch at home, subscribe to Apple TV+ and mark September 5, 2025 on your calendar.

Timeline of Highest 2 Lowest

  • 2024–2025: Production and announcement of Highest 2 Lowest.
  • May 19, 2025: Cannes premiere (Wikipedia).
  • August 2025: Limited theatrical release in the U.S. (A24).
  • September 5, 2025: Streaming debut on Apple TV+ (CBR).

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Film title: Highest 2 Lowest
  • Director: Spike Lee
  • Star: Denzel Washington
  • Based on High and Low
  • Release year: 2025
  • Cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky
  • Streaming on Apple TV+ from September 5, 2025

What’s unclear

  • Exact theatrical release date (August 15 vs. August 22)
  • Full cast list (some roles unconfirmed)
  • Budget, runtime, official rating
  • International release dates beyond U.S. and Australia

Quotes and critical reception

“The swaggering thriller remix of a classic with contemporary New York energy.”

— Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus (Rotten Tomatoes)

“Brothers Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for the 5th time.”

— IMDb synopsis (IMDb)

“Limited run in theaters, arrives on streaming.”

— PureWow (PureWow)

Early reviews from Cannes are not yet aggregated, but the buzz suggests strong performances and a taut adaptation.

Additional sources

msn.com, imdb.com, whattowatch.com, movieinsider.com

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Frequently asked questions

Is Highest 2 Lowest a sequel?

No, it’s a standalone adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low.

What is Highest 2 Lowest rated?

The rating has not been officially announced, but given the crime thriller genre, it’s likely R.

Where was Highest 2 Lowest filmed?

The film is set in New York City; specific filming locations have not been disclosed.

How long is Highest 2 Lowest?

Runtime not yet confirmed.

Is Highest 2 Lowest on Netflix?

No, it will stream on Apple TV+ from September 5, 2025.

Who wrote Highest 2 Lowest?

Spike Lee co-wrote the screenplay; the original story by Kurosawa and McBain.

What is the budget of Highest 2 Lowest?

Budget has not been publicly reported.

For those eager to see Denzel Washington and Spike Lee together again, the choice is straightforward: catch it in theaters during August, or wait for the Apple TV+ release on September 5. The limited theatrical window rewards the big-screen experience, but the streaming option ensures wider access. Either way, Highest 2 Lowest is a reunion worth watching.