Joel Schumacher, the veteran filmmaker known for directing movies in the Batman franchise, has died at the age of 80.

The former costume designer rose to prominence with a string of acclaimed films in the late '80s and early '90s, including St Elmo's Fire, The Lost Boys and Flatliners, the latter two of which featured Kiefer Sutherland.

Schumacher died in a New York hospital earlier today after battling cancer for the past year, his rep told E! News, adding: "He will be fondly remembered by his friends and collaborators."

Sutherland, who also worked with Schumacher on Phone Booth and A Time To Kill, described the director as one of his "dearest friends" in a Twitter tribute.

"His joy, spirit and talent will live on in my heart and memory for the rest of my life," he wrote. "Joel gave me opportunities and lifelong lessons, making films such as The Lost Boys, Flatliners, A Time To Kill and Phonebooth.

"His mark on modern culture and film will live on forever. I will miss you, my friend."

Schumacher was openly gay and claimed last year that he had slept with up to 20,000 men.