Acclaimed film director Wes Craven has died.

The 'Scream' filmmaker passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Los Angeles after battling brain cancer.

Wes is credited with reinventing the horror genre with his spooky films, including introducing Freddy Kruger to the big screen in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' in the 1980s, and with the 'Scream' franchise in the 1990s.

'Scream' actress Courteney Cox paid tribute to the director on Twitter.

She wrote: ''Today the world lost a great man, my friend and mentor, Wes Craven. My heart goes out to his family. x (sic)''

Rose McGowan, who appeared in the first 'Scream' flick, added: ''Thank you for being the kindest man, the gentlest man, and one of the smartest men I've known. Please say there's a plot twist. #wescraven

''Shedding tears now. A giant has left us. #wescraven #always #liveon (sic)''

'Buffy' star Sarah Michelle Gellar also paid tribute, writing: ''I had the great privilege of working with #WesCraven one of the kindest most gentle souls, who made great scary films. #RIPWesCraven (sic)''