For more than three decades, the Denzel Washington Spike Lee collaboration has been a hallmark of critically acclaimed cinema, maintaining an impressive track record on Rotten Tomatoes. Their most recent film, Highest 2 Lowest, released in 2025, continues this tradition by securing a 90% fresh rating, demonstrating that this celebrated actor-director duo still delivers quality projects.
Track Record of Hits Across Their Collaborative Films
The partnership between Washington and Lee spans five feature films, each receiving favorable reviews. Starting with 1990’s Mo’ Better Blues, which scored 71%, they followed up with 1992’s Malcolm X earning 89%. Their 1998 sports drama He Got Game obtained an 80% rating, and the 2006 crime thriller Inside Man achieved an 86% score. Highest 2 Lowest, inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, adds to this legacy with its recent 90% rating on the review aggregator.
Unconventional Release Strategy for Highest 2 Lowest
Highest 2 Lowest premiered in a limited theatrical release on August 15, 2025, before becoming available for streaming on Apple TV+ on September 5. This approach, favoring streaming over wide theatrical distribution, is somewhat unexpected given the stature of Washington and Lee as well as the film’s critical acclaim. The theatrical run was clearly designed to meet eligibility requirements for awards rather than maximize box office success.
This strategy stands out especially because Spike Lee commands significant respect as an auteur filmmaker with a devoted following, and Denzel Washington remains a strong box office draw, highlighted by the $191 million global earnings of his 2023 film The Equalizer 3. While Highest 2 Lowest might not have become a blockbuster, a broader theatrical release could have generated more nationwide interest, especially since Inside Man previously earned $185.7 million globally.
Washington and Lee’s Enduring Partnership and Future Prospects
The continued collaboration between Washington and Lee showcases their persistent creative synergy, even as both consider their future paths. Washington, now more discerning about project choices and hinting at retirement, has expressed that working with the best filmmakers matters most to him. He is already discussing potential roles with director Ryan Coogler, best known for his collaborations with Michael B. Jordan in hits like Sinners and the Black Panther franchise.
Spike Lee clearly remains a favored collaborator for Washington, and if Lee brings another compelling script, the Oscar-winning actor is likely to accept. Their partnership, notable alongside other legendary director-actor duos such as Martin Scorsese with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, continues to define top-tier filmmaking in Hollywood.
Significance of Their Rotten Tomatoes Success and Industry Impact
The consistency of Washington and Lee’s films maintaining “fresh” ratings on Rotten Tomatoes over 35 years underscores their reliability in producing quality cinema that resonates with critics. This streak elevates their status as one of Hollywood’s most successful creative partnerships, blending artistic integrity with public appeal. Their latest work, Highest 2 Lowest, signals that even after decades in the industry, their collaboration remains vigorous and relevant.
With the shifting landscape of film distribution favoring streaming platforms, Washington and Lee’s ability to adapt while sustaining critical approval reflects both their adaptability and continued audience interest. Their alliance serves as a model for how classic actor-director teams can thrive amidst evolving industry challenges.
Given Washington’s selective approach to future projects and Lee’s reputation for compelling storytelling, their next joint venture could again capture public attention and critical praise alike, reinforcing their place in Hollywood’s elite creative circles.
