Tim Burton's Batman Universe: Chronological Watch and Read Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to resonate, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. Moreover, the Burton-Verse is expanding with new comic books and novel spinoffs, including the recently announced Batman: Revolution. This expansion has made navigating the Burton-Verse a complex endeavor. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and exploring the various Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics.

You can also explore our detailed guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse currently encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. This collection includes Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), The Flash (2023), the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman ‘89 and Batman ‘89: Echoes. Note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's universe, a distinction we'll clarify later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman

While Burton's Batman movies are available to stream on Max and the Batman ‘89 comics can be accessed on DC Universe Infinite, opting for physical media is a great choice. Here are some recommended options for purchasing Burton-Verse movies and books:

• Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray] This collection 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 and Gotham City face a mysterious new threat in this direct sequel to Tim Burton’s iconic Batman. $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 contains a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains who appear in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989) Burton's first Batman movie introduced Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. This film sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and set the stage for darker superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024) This novel by John Jackson Miller follows Batman as he deals with the remnants of the Joker Gang and confronts Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the collapse of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale’s relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025) Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime amidst Gotham’s growing resentment toward the elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992) Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, which pits Batman against Catwoman and Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to Batman Forever.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021) This comic series by Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, featuring Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and introducing a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans.

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

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024) This follow-up comic sees Keaton's Bruce Wayne go missing, with Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

   Keaton's older Bruce Wayne comes out of retirement to assist Ezra Miller's Barry Allen against General Zod, providing closure to his Batman saga.

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 once considered sequels to Burton's films but are now seen as part of a different DC Universe. The Batman ‘89 comics serve as the canonical follow-ups to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Batman's journey leading up to The Flash.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU with the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would have played a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film reached post-production before being canceled for a tax writeoff, marking a significant shift in Warner Bros.' plans for the DC Universe.

For more on the evolving landscape of DC movies, check out why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and every DC movie and series in development.