When Spike Lee and Inside Man, fans know they’re seeing a remarkable crowd-pleasing pairing, which has generated significant excitement and sky-high expectations for their remake, Highest 2 Lowest. Lee and Washington have collaborated on several movies over the years. In addition to 2006's Inside Man, the two teamed up on Mo' Better Blues, He Got Game, and Malcolm X.

All of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington's past movies are a testament to their seamless partnership and storytelling prowess, but Inside Man stands out. With an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film demonstrates how gripping an elaborate heist drama can be when handled by a visionary director and a lead actor at the top of his game, and Highest 2 Lowest promises to be no exception.

Denzel Washington & Spike Lee's Last Crime Thriller, Inside Man, Means Highest 2 Lowest Should Be Great

The Famous Collaborators Have Boosted Expectations For Their New Movie

If one thing is evident from Inside Man, it’s that Washington and Lee can produce crime thrillers that engage both the intellect and emotions. What worked remarkably well in Inside Man was the chemistry between the actors, the razor-sharp dialogue, and the meticulous way the suspense unfolded. If Lee’s vision for Highest 2 Lowest taps into a similar formula—combining gripping storytelling with layered performances—the result could not only echo their earlier success but even sur it.

Another reason Lee and Washington’s reunion excites audiences is the lasting impact of Inside Man on the heist genre. From its clever pacing to its morally ambiguous characters, many modern crime films echo elements seen in Spike Lee’s thriller. For instance, movies like Baby Driver and Widows have drawn inspiration from crafting characters as complex as the criminals they face—a hallmark of Inside Man’s groundbreaking narrative.

Given this legacy, it’s not far-fetched to believe that Highest 2 Lowest will be equally influential. With the growing interest in character-driven thrillers over traditional action-heavy plots, it’s the perfect time for Lee and Washington to revisit and potentially redefine the genre they helped invigorate. Using a starting canvas like the immaculate Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low certainly means a possibility of something truly special when the film debuts next summer.

Inside Man Is An Unfairly Overlooked Movie In Denzel Washington's Filmography

Inside Man Left An Oversized Influence on Modern Heist Films

Inside Man remains one of the most overlooked films in Denzel Washington’s career despite earning critical acclaim and box office success. The movie, centered around a brilliantly orchestrated bank heist, features Washington as Detective Keith Frazier, a sharp investigator trying to outwit a cunning thief (played by Clive Owen). What sets this film apart is not solely the intricate plot but how Spike Lee infuses it with his signature style, tense pacing, and sharp socio-political commentary.

Meanwhile, Washington’s performance as Frazier added layers to the typical cop archetype. His portrayal humanizes a character burdened by workplace controversies and personal dilemmas, making him relatable beyond the plot's heist framework. However, while movies like Training Day and Malcolm X (also directed by Lee) often take center stage in conversations about Washington’s career, Inside Man deserves far greater recognition for showcasing a different facet of his versatility.