Astro Boy (2009)

Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy (2009) tells the story of a young robot with incredible powers, created by a brilliant scientist in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance. His adventure takes him through betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he ultimately returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had initially rejected him, discovering his own purpose along the way. Astro Boy (2009) belongs on a list of "Best David Bowers Movies" as it represents one of his most ambitious and critically well-received solo directorial efforts in animation. Bowers adeptly helmed this adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's iconic manga, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative that balances thrilling action with heartfelt themes of identity, loss, and heroism. While he has a strong portfolio, including co-directing *Flushed Away* and directing several *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* sequels, *Astro Boy* showcases Bowers' ability to craft a compelling, large-scale animated feature that resonates with both family audiences and long-time fans of the character, making it a significant highlight in his career.