Spike Lee’s crime thriller, Highest 2 Lowest, starring Denzel Washington, has surged to the top position on Apple TV+’s global most-watched movies list this week. The Denzel Washington crime thriller gained momentum shortly after its streaming debut on September 5, 2025, following its premiere and theatrical run earlier in the year.
A Global Success Story Emerges Around Highest 2 Lowest
Highest 2 Lowest made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, where it earned a six-minute standing ovation, signaling strong early acclaim. The film later opened in U.S. theaters on August 15 and then launched on Apple TV+. Since becoming available for streaming, Highest 2 Lowest has climbed steadily in viewership and critical reception alike.
Upon its initial release at Cannes, the film achieved a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its score remains high, currently holding an 88% critics’ approval and 85% audience rating. This widespread praise is driven by a compelling story and a talented ensemble cast featuring Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice, who makes her first feature film appearance.
The Storyline and Creative Roots Behind the Film
Highest 2 Lowest is adapted from Ed McBain’s 1959 novel, King’s Ransom, and it modernizes the narrative originally portrayed in Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low. The movie reunites director Spike Lee and Denzel Washington for their fifth joint venture, marking a return after nearly twenty years since Inside Man in 2006.
The plot centers on David King (played by Washington), a renowned music executive known for his impeccable ear. When his son becomes the victim of a botched kidnapping that turns into a ransom crisis, King faces an agonizing moral struggle, forced to weigh his family’s safety against the legacy and empire he has built over his career.
Spike Lee Reflects on a Potential Final Collaboration with Washington
While celebrating the film’s success, Spike Lee hinted that Highest 2 Lowest might be the last time he and Denzel Washington work together. Their partnership has been a pillar in Hollywood history, with five films spanning more than three decades: Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998), Inside Man (2006), and now Highest 2 Lowest.
Lee expressed surprise at the length of time since their last collaboration:
“Denzel and I didn’t know that our previous film, Inside Man, was 18 years ago. We were surprised because it felt like yesterday. But we didn’t miss a step.”
– Spike Lee
Adding a note of closure, Lee said,
“I think this is it — five. He’s been talking about retirement even though he’s just done another deal. Five films together, they stand up.”
– Spike Lee
The Cast That Brings Highest 2 Lowest to Life
The movie features Denzel Washington as David King and Jeffrey Wright as Paul Christopher. Alongside them are Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky, and Ice Spice, whose debut adds fresh energy to the ensemble. Their performances, combined with Spike Lee’s direction, contribute significantly to the film’s intense atmosphere and critical acclaim.
Highest 2 Lowest’s position atop Apple TV+ demonstrates the continued appetite for high-stakes, emotionally charged crime dramas. Its blend of moral complexity and intense storytelling resonates with audiences worldwide. The film’s prominence on streaming platforms also highlights the evolving landscape of movie distribution, where digital viewership can extend a film’s relevance far beyond its theatrical run.
As Highest 2 Lowest continues to engage viewers, the film’s success may shape future crime thrillers and solidify the legacy of both Washington and Lee’s collaboration. Fans and critics alike will watch closely to see if another project will reunite these two cinematic forces or if this marks the closing chapter of their powerful creative partnership.
