Tim Burton's Batman Universe: Watch and Read in Chronological Order

Tim Burton's impact on the DC Universe continues to resonate strongly, even decades after his last directorial effort with Batman. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in the 2023 film "The Flash," briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. However, the Burton-Verse remains vibrant and expanding through new comic books and novel spinoffs, including the recently announced "Batman: Revolution."

Navigating the entirety of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to simplify it for you. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interlink.

For a complete overview of all Batman movies, check out our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the upcoming "Batman: Revolution," there are currently seven projects within Burton’s Batman universe. This includes 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."

Note that "Batman Forever" (1995) and "Batman & Robin" (1997) are not part of Burton's Batman universe and will be discussed separately later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman

While Burton's Batman movies can be streamed on Max and the "Batman ‘89" comics are available on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a rewarding experience. Here are some purchasing options:

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 new mysterious threat in this 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 who appear in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

This is the film that kicked off the Burton-Verse. It features Michael Keaton as Batman in his early superhero days, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The movie sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated Hollywood's appetite for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel is set after the first movie, where Batman deals with the remnants of the Joker Gang and confronts Clayface, a shape-shifting villain. It bridges the gap between "Batman" and "Batman Returns," introducing Max Shreck and exploring the dissolution 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 turned criminal mastermind. Pinkus capitalizes on Gotham's resentment toward the wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Both Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman faces Catwoman and the Penguin during a chaotic holiday season in Gotham. Despite plans for a third film, both Burton and Keaton left the project, leading to "Batman Forever."

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

The "Batman ‘89" comic acts as a direct sequel to "Batman Returns," set three years later. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it explores Burton’s abandoned third movie plans. Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face, and a version of Robin modeled after Marlon Wayans is introduced, alongside the return of Catwoman.

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

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery

11 Images

"Batman ‘89: Echoes" serves as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years after "Batman ‘89," Bruce Wayne goes missing, and Robin and the new Batgirl confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn, modeled after Jeff Goldblum and Madonna, respectively.

7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)

Every Character in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover

23 Images

For the most dedicated Burton-Verse enthusiasts, Robert Wuhl briefly reprised his role as Alexander Knox in "Crisis on Infinite Earths," showcasing a glimpse of Earth-89, where Knox reads a newspaper amidst ominous red skies over Gotham.

8. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, "The Flash" provided closure for Keaton's Batman. Keaton returns as an older Bruce Wayne, coaxed out of retirement by Barry Allen's timeline disruptions and the looming 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?

"Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin" were initially considered sequels to Burton's films, despite neither Burton nor Keaton returning. The presence of characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred provided some continuity. However, these films are now seen as inferior and tonally different, and with "The Flash," DC officially places them in a separate universe. The "Batman ‘89" comics are now the canon 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!

Keaton's Batman was set for a more extended role in the DCEU, with plans for him to appear in the canceled "Batgirl" movie. Keaton played an aged, mentor-like Batman to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also reprising their roles. Unfortunately, "Batgirl" was canceled during post-production for a tax writeoff, marking a significant change in Warner Bros.' plans for the DC Universe and the transition to James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU.

For more insights into DC's future, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and discover every DC movie and series in development.