Your Guide To ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ Filming Locations In Brooklyn

In “Highest 2 Lowest,” Denzel Washington plays David King, a music mogul thrust into a dangerous moral predicament when a kidnapping plot spirals out of control. The recent release blends a unique social commentary with director Spike Lee’s cinematic flair, marking the duo’s fifth joint venture since 2006’s “Inside Man.” It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, earning a nearly six-minute standing ovation, as Reuters reports. “Highest 2 Lowest” debuted theatrically in the U.S. before landing on Apple TV+ in early September.

Beyond the intriguing plot of this intense, high-stakes crime thriller, movie lovers are curious about how they can book a trip to iconic Brooklyn filming locations behind “Highest 2 Lowest.” Here’s what you need to know.

See Brooklyn, New York City Through The Eyes Of Spike Lee

Key Scenes: As 4Filming confirms, Brooklyn, New York, was the main filming location for “Highest 2 Lowest,” providing plenty of urban street shots. Production there began in March 2024 and wrapped by May.  As audiences follow along with Washington, they can catch glimpses of the Brooklyn Bridge and other local neighborhoods. But one of the most significant Brooklyn spots featured is the $17 million penthouse that Washington’s character lives in, per CNBC. This five bedroom, four and a half bathroom apartment in the Olympia Dumbo building is a private and incredibly spacious apartment.

Best Time to Visit: If travelers want to have a nearly exact experience of Brooklyn as shown in the movie, traveling between March and May is the ideal time to visit. Otherwise, the best time to visit Brooklyn is between April and June or September and November. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and crowds are generally more manageable. 

Transportation Options: There are many ways to around Brooklyn. The most popular options include the MTA subway, bus network NYC ferry and Citi Bike (which is for bike share). Alternatively, travelers can book rideshares, taxis and car services. 

The streets of Brooklyn were chosen for much of the “Highest 2 Lowest” backdrop, as SoapCentral reports. Brooklyn’s real and raw vibe and iconic urban settings gave the film an authentic yet gritty aesthetic. The narrative pulses with the city’s energy – an essential ingredient for Spike Lee’s modern neo-noir reinterpretation.

For fans who don’t know, Lee is well known for highlighting this geographical area. Plus, given that this movie is a modern-day remake, choosing Brooklyn as the setting is quite significant. As Decider reports, “the movie is a modern-day remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 acclaimed Japanese film ‘High and Low.’ (And Kurosawa’s film is based on the 1959 novel ‘King’s Ransom’ by American author Ed McBain).”

Things to Do: Since NYC is such a popular tourist destination, travelers will not have a problem finding something to do while in the city. The Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge are some of the most popular places to visit.

Where to Eat: Brooklyn is an ethnically diverse place with a plethora of cuisine options. Some highly rated eateries to check out include Cornbread Brooklyn, Time Out Market New York and Sisters Restaurant. These options include soul food, a diverse food market and New American. 

Where to Stay: For a relatively affordable and central stay the The Lodge Red Hook is a good option but travelers can also check out the swankier Ace Hotel Brooklyn.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Highest 2 Lowest” a real story?

As Deadline reports, this story is fictional, but it is a modern-day American reinterpretation of a thriller based on a novel. 

Did Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reunite for the fifth time in “Highest 2 Lowest”?

Yes, this movie marks their fifth collaboration together. Past ventures include hits like “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990), “Malcolm X” (1992), “He Got Game” (1998) and “Inside Man” (2006).

What is considered Spike Lee’s best film?

Opinions on this vary widely, since Lee has created such diverse work during the span of his career. But many film lovers agree that “Do the Right Thing” (1989) was his masterpiece and a great American film, per Entertainment Weekly’s ranking.

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