Taking a closer look, Lilith Czar (Juliet Simms) has been in the music world for over two decades now. Having worked with her band Automatic Loveletter, she would go on to release music as a solo artist, all while exploring various styles of music along the way. Then, in 2021, a new chapter was written with her debut as Lilith Czar called Created From Filth and Dust.
A record that received high praise from Rock-n-Roll fans and critics alike, songs like “Anarchy” lit up Mainstream Rock charts. Now, in 2025, hopes are that big plans are ahead for Lilith Czar, which should include new music and perhaps some touring. Waiting for the next big move to be set into motion, Lilith Czar took some time to reflect on her favorite movies in the Horror realm and narrowed them down to one detailed Top 10 list.
10) As Above, So Below (2014): I deeply loved this movie back in 2015 when it only had 14% on the Tomatometer; it has since climbed to 29% (good job, not stupid people). I’m starting this detail as a proud fan of a movie that has so wrongfully been judged in the eyes of our Horror rating lords. I am not afraid to say that this is hands down the best “found footage” film of all time. The acting feels authentic and real: a frightful journey through the Paris catacombs, the uncomfortability of small spaces, the treasure hunt, passing through the gates of hell, biblical theology including references to Dante’s inferno, and demons. Come on. It’s perfect.
9) Barbarian (2022): So many Horror movies lean heavily on the impossible and mystical, making them feel unreal/less scary, in my opinion, though still entertaining and polarizing. I thought Barbarian was heading in that same direction… until it wasn’t. That shift made the film deeply unsettling, grounded in the terrifying idea that this could actually happen. As a fan of true crime, someone who’s read about or listened to stories of unspeakable acts, Barbarian felt like a chillingly plausible true crime tale, one I’d never heard before and could barely imagine. It was horrifying in the best way, and I loved every second of it.
8) The Substance (2024): Never have I ever watched a Horror movie that had such an important message. That’s not typically the M.O. for this genre. Extremely grotesque in the best way, shamelessly commentating on beauty standards and what the pressures of staying young and beautiful could ultimately lead to if you fall victim to its clutches…but you know – in an extremely dramatized way. There’s something to be said about the symbolism behind this movie… It’s more horrifying and disturbing than the melting blendered cyclops of Demi Moore’s body.
7) Housebound (2014): This is the reason I check every nook and cranny before I go to sleep. The levity of the guy living in the walls, ultimately being good and funny, certainly eased my fear, but alas…I still check. What I love about this movie is how it masterfully blends horror with comedy. One moment, you’re genuinely terrified, and the next, you’re laughing at the absurdity of the situation. It’s so rare to find a film that can balance those two elements so perfectly. The only other movie I’ve seen that comes close to blending those two elements well is Deadstream. Such a clever take on the haunted house genre, and honestly, it still has me side-eyeing my walls every now and then.
6) The Witches of Eastwick (1987): Technically, it’s not a “Horror” movie, but considering we’ve got witches, the devil, and voodoo vomiting, I think we can make an exception. I have no idea why my parents let me watch this when I was a little kid, but they did, and I believe it unlocked that part …of me that thrives on the mysterious, the eerie, and the magical. Watching The Witches of Eastwick as a child not only introduced me to the world of Horror-adjacent storytelling but also sparked a lifelong fascination with dark, powerful women and the allure of witches. It opened a door to another realm where the supernatural feels tangible and seductive. That blend of humor, danger, and otherworldly energy planted the seeds for my love of the macabre and the mysterious, a love that has only grown stronger over time.
5) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think I started when I was around 11, and while it’s not exactly a traditional Horror movie/show, it was packed with monsters, demons, vampires, ghouls, and witches. At that age, it definitely leaned toward Horror for me; it felt intense, dark, and thrilling, which is what I get out of most Horror-themed entertainment. Over the years, though, Buffy became so much more than just a show. Looking up to Buffy and the other strong female characters gave me this deep sense of wanting to be a superhero myself. I internalized that desire, the idea of standing up, being strong, and making a difference, and it’s something I’ve carried with me ever since. I wanted to embody that strength and be that kind of hero for other people. The dialogue, the characters, and the storytelling are woven into my life, my art, and even my body, with tattoos that reflect just how much it means to me. Buffy isn’t just a show; it’s a part of who I am, and it had to be mentioned because it’s truly a cornerstone of my personality.
4) The Cabin in the Woods (2011): Cabin in the Woods (also directed by Joss Whedon) holds a special place for me. The setting alone is terrifying, being isolated in the middle of nowhere, with that eerie, claustrophobic tension building as the protagonists stumble across a hidden room and unknowingly unleash a dark, evil force. First of all, why are you even going down there? And second, why are you touching things? Put the stuff down. Don’t open boxes. Stop it! But, of course, they do, and what starts as a typical Horror setup spirals into something so much greater. The layers of mystical, horrifying chaos that unravel, from terrifying zombie attacks to the jaw-dropping moment when they descend into the world where all the monsters are kept for sacrifice, completely blew my mind. I loved pausing it at that moment and checking out the Rubik’s cube of monsters. It’s a film that flips the cliche of the initial setup on its head in such a genius way, going places I never thought it would go. And it doesn’t matter how many times I watch it, I can’t help but yell at the screen every time: stop touching the things!
3) Mandy (2018): Mandy isn’t just a Horror movie; it’s a visual masterpiece. Every shot feels like it’s been pulled from a surreal nightmare, drenched in bold colors and hauntingly atmospheric lighting. The antagonist in this movie is absolutely terrifying, seriously one of the scariest monsters/villains, whatever you wanna call them, I’ve ever seen. There’s something about their presence that’s so unsettling and otherworldly that it gets under your skin in the best and worst ways. Nicolas Cage gives such a raw, unhinged performance that it perfectly matches the film’s descent into madness. The story is brutal and heartbreaking, but it’s also mesmerizing in how it combines art and Horror. It’s beautiful, terrifying, and unforgettable all at once.
2) The Conjuring 2 (2016): The Conjuring 2 is where we’re first introduced to Valak, the demon masquerading as a nun and, in my opinion, one of the scariest and most iconic Horror villains ever. That bone-chilling presence and how Valak looms over every scene is enough to send shivers down your spine. And honestly, Valak is the monster I see at night. If I wake up in the middle of the night and my robe is hanging on the door, it’s not a robe anymore – it’s Valak.
1) From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): From Dusk Till Dawn has been one of my favorite horror movies since I was about twelve years old. My dad rented it from Blockbuster (RIP Sweet Blue Little Hut), and one night, while my mom was working, we watched it together. I felt so rebellious, knowing it was far scarier and edgier than anything I’d seen before. What captivated me most was how the movie completely flipped genres. It begins as a gritty Crime Thriller and then descends into a chaotic vampire-demon hellscape. The cinematography and aesthetic were so impactful that they even inspired the vision for my music video for “100 Little Deaths.” While the film had a kitschy, almost campy quality, it balanced that with a sharp mix of comedy, wit, and genuine Horror, which is what makes it such a standout classic.
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