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

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, 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. The Burton-Verse continues to grow with new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the upcoming "Batman: Revolution."

Navigating the entire 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 complete viewing guide, check out our detailed article on watching all the Batman movies in chronological order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming "Batman: Revolution," there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe. These comprise three films, two novels, and two comics. The list includes "Batman" (1989), "Batman Returns" (1992), and "The Flash" (2023), along with 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 Batman universe, as we'll discuss 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 through DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a rewarding experience. Here are some recommended options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:

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

1. Batman (1989)

• The original film that sparked it all. Burton's first Batman movie features Michael Keaton as the early-career Dark Knight facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It ignited a summer of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the demand for darker, more mature superhero films in Hollywood.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

• This novel by John Jackson Miller is set after the first movie, where Batman confronts remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It bridges the gap between "Batman" and "Batman Returns," introducing Max Shreck and exploring the disintegration of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

• Miller's second novel set between "Batman" and "Batman Returns" introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime, exploiting Gotham's resentment toward its wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

• Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the original. Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to "Batman Forever."

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

• A direct sequel to "Batman Returns," this comic is set three years later and draws from Burton's unmade third Batman movie. It features Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face, introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, and brings back Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

• Acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, this comic follows three years after "Batman ‘89." With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl tackle threats from Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

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" (1995) and "Batman & Robin" (1997) were initially considered sequels to Burton's films, but without Burton or Keaton, and with a different tone, they are now seen as part of a separate DC Universe. The "Batman ‘89" comics serve as the official sequels to "Batman Returns," detailing Keaton's Batman's journey up to "The Flash."

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

• Warning: This section contains spoilers for The Flash!

• Keaton's Batman was meant to continue in the DCEU, with an earlier cut of "The Flash" showing him and Supergirl surviving the Flashpoint timeline. This would have led into the now-canceled "Batgirl" movie, where Keaton would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film, which also featured J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser, was shelved 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 discover all the upcoming DC movies and series in development.