My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

The Yamadas are a typical middle class Japanese family in urban Tokyo and this film shows us a variety of episodes of their lives. With tales that range from the humorous to the heartbreaking, we see this family cope with life's little conflicts, problems, and joys in their own way.

Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family

What to watch after My Neighbors the Yamadas

• Pom Poko (1994) — Same feel: fun, reflective
• Only Yesterday (1991) — Isao Takahata directed both
• Kamikaze Girls (2004) — Same feel: cheerful, fun
• The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013) — Isao Takahata worked on both
• A Letter to Momo (2011)
• Whisper of the Heart (1995)