Tim Burton's Batman Universe: Chronological Guide to Watching and Reading

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains robust, even decades after his last Batman film. In 2023, Michael Keaton returned as Bruce Wayne in The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. However, the Burton-Verse continues to grow through new comic books and novels, such as the recently announced Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it. Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

For a broader look at the Batman franchise, check out our guide on watching all the Batman movies in chronological order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe. These consist of three films, two novels, and two comics: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), The Flash (2023), the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes.

Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's universe, a topic we'll explore further.

Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman

While Burton's Batman movies are available to stream on Max and the Batman '89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies has its merits. Here are some options for purchasing:

• Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray] Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. $90.00 save 28% - $64.99 at Amazon

• Batman '89 $24.99 save 39% - $15.27 at Amazon

• Batman '89: Echoes $24.99 save 10% - $22.49 at Amazon

• Batman: Resurrection Preorder for October 15. After The Joker’s death, Batman faces a new threat in Gotham. $30.00 save 8% - $27.49 at Amazon

• Batman: Revolution (Hardcover) Out October 28. $30.00 save 10% - $27.00 at Amazon

Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order

Each blurb provides a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains featured.

1. Batman (1989) The film that ignited "Bat-Mania," featuring Michael Keaton's Batman against Jack Nicholson's Joker.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024) A novel set post-Batman, where Batman confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025) Another novel bridging Batman and Batman Returns, introducing the Burton-Verse's Riddler.

4. Batman Returns (1992) Keaton's Batman battles Catwoman and Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham.

5. Batman '89 (2021) A comic sequel to Batman Returns, featuring Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and the introduction of Robin.

   Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024) A follow-up comic acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, with Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

   Keaton returns as an older Bruce Wayne, pulled out of retirement by The Flash to confront General Zod.

Tim Burton's Batman Universe in Release Order

• Batman (1989)
• Batman Returns (1992)
• Batman '89 (2021)
• The Flash (2023)
• Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
• Batman: Resurrection (2024)
• Batman: Revolution (2025)

How Do Batman Forever and Batman & Robin Fit In?

Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, but they diverged significantly in tone and style. With The Flash, DC has officially separated these films into a different universe, with the Batman '89 comics now serving as the canonical sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU, including in the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. However, the film was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.

For more on DC's future, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman separate from the DCU and check out every DC movie and series currently in development.