The wait is finally over for cinema lovers: Spike Lee’s highly anticipated return to theaters, Highest 2 Lowest, premieres on August 15, 2025, and is already generating buzz as one of the summer’s most anticipated drops.

Why It Matters

A Reunion Two Decades in the Making: This marks the fifth collaboration between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington—and their first since the acclaimed Inside Man (2006). Their creative chemistry flies high again in this modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low  . A Slick Crime Thriller Set in New York: Washington stars as David King, an influential music mogul caught in a harrowing ransom plot—triggering a deep moral dilemma in Lee’s gritty take on a classic tale  . Stellar Ensemble Cast: Joining the duo are Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice (in her film debut), A$AP Rocky, and more. The soundtrack is equally star-studded, featuring original tracks performed by A$AP Rocky, Aiyana‑Lee, Jensen McRae, along with a thematic score by Howard Drossin and an EP from jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie  . Critical Buzz Ahead of Launch: Early reviews from the Cannes premiere spotlight the film’s stylish reinterpretation and strong storytelling, while the trailer—featuring a tense showdown in Spike Lee’s signature visual flair—has further stoked audience excitement  .

Release Platforms

Theatrical (Select U.S. venues)

August 15, 2025

Apple TV+ Streaming

September 5, 2025

Highest 2 Lowest promises to be more than just a movie—it’s a landmark moment in Spike Lee’s filmography. Drawing together a powerhouse cast, layered narrative, and culturally resonant themes, this is a comeback worth marking on your calendar. Whether you see it on the big screen or streaming next month, this reunion of two filmmaking giants deserves your attention.