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. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash marked a significant moment, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to grow, with new comic books and novels expanding the universe, including the upcoming Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how to watch and read all the Tim Burton Batman stories, including movies, novels, and comics.

For a complete list of all Batman movies in order, check out our detailed guide.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Currently, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe, which includes three films, two novels, and two comics. These are:

• Films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023)
• Novels: Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution
• 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 topic we'll explore 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, purchasing physical copies can be a great option. Here are some recommendations:

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 highlights the heroes and villains featured.

1. Batman (1989)

The original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton as Batman early in his career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the demand for darker 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 new villain, Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring Bruce Wayne's relationship with Vicki Vale.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime due to his frustration over unappreciated crime-solving skills. The story focuses on Gotham's growing 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 battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's 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, is set three years later. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it explores Burton's abandoned plans for a third film. It features Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans.

For more on how Batman '89 expands the Burton-Verse, click here.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

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Continuing the comic series, Batman '89: Echoes acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton film. Set three years after Batman '89, it features Keaton's Bruce Wayne going missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite mixed reviews, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne emerges from retirement to help Ezra Miller's Barry Allen combat Michael Shannon's General Zod after timeline alterations.

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 seen as sequels to Burton's films, despite his and Keaton's absence. Shared characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred maintained some continuity, but these films differ significantly in tone and are now considered 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 was set to continue as Batman in the DCEU, including in the now-canceled Batgirl movie. Keaton's Bruce Wayne would have mentored Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons reprising his role as Commissioner Gordon and Brendan Fraser as Firefly. The film was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in Warner Bros.' plans for the DC Universe.

For more on DC's future, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and learn about every DC movie and series in development.