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. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to expand 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, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of how the various Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

For a complete guide on watching all the Batman movies in sequence, you can check out our detailed resource.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. This 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.

Note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll discuss why 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, owning physical copies remains a popular choice. Here are some recommended options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:

Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]

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

Batman '89

$24.99 save 39% - $15.27 at Amazon

Batman '89: Echoes

Batman '89: Echoes

$24.99 save 10% - $22.49 at Amazon

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15

Batman: Resurrection

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

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

$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 in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

The original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Batman faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker, sparking a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrating Hollywood's appetite for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel, set post-Batman, follows Batman as he deals with the 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 end 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 version of the Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime amidst Gotham's resentment toward its wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton return for this sequel set a few years after the first film. Batman confronts Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to Batman Forever.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, a direct sequel to Batman Returns set three years later, explores Burton's abandoned plans for a third film. It features Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face, introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, and sees the return of Catwoman.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

A follow-up to Batman '89, this comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years after Batman '89, Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to tackle Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, The Flash offers closure to Keaton's Batman story. An older Bruce Wayne is pulled back into action by Barry Allen's time-travel antics and the threat of 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?

Basketman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) were initially viewed as sequels to Burton's films, despite his and Keaton's absence. However, with the release of The Flash, DC now considers these films part of a separate universe. The Batman '89 comics serve as the official sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey up to The Flash.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Originally, Keaton's Batman was set to continue in the DCEU beyond The Flash. An earlier version of the film had Batman and Supergirl crossing over into the restored DCEU, leading into the now-canceled Batgirl movie. Keaton reprised his role as an older mentor to Barbara Gordon in Batgirl, which was shelved by Warner Bros. as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in the studio's plans for the DC franchise.