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

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains robust, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash marked a significant moment, albeit brief, in the DCEU. Meanwhile, the Burton-Verse continues to expand through new comic books and novels, including the highly anticipated 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 saga, you can also explore our complete guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects set within Burton's Batman universe: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include 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, a distinction we'll explain later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman

While Burton's Batman movies are available for streaming on Max and the Batman '89 comics can be read on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies remains a popular choice. Here are some 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 in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

• The original film that ignited the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton's Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased the demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

• This novel by John Jackson Miller follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman confronting 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)

• Another novel by Miller set between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime after feeling unappreciated for his crime-solving skills.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

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

5. Batman '89 (2021)

• A direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. This comic, inspired by Burton's unmade third film, features Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman returning.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

• Acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, this comic follows Keaton's Bruce Wayne going missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face 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?

• Initially considered sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged significantly in tone and quality. With The Flash, DC now officially places these films in a separate DC Universe, with the Batman '89 comics serving as the canonical sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

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

For more on the future of DC movies, find out why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and brush up on every DC movie and series in development.