Tim Burton's Batman Universe: Chronological Viewing and Reading 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 brought his iconic portrayal back into the spotlight, albeit briefly within the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to grow with new comic books and novels, such as the recently announced 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 broader perspective, you can also explore 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 seven projects within Burton's Batman universe. This includes three films, two novels, and two comics:

• 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 delve into 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 read on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a rewarding experience. Here are some 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 who appear in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

This is the original movie that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker in this film that sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated Hollywood's appetite for darker superhero movies.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise 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 introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime, capitalizing on Gotham's resentment toward its elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

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

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. Set three years later, it explores Burton's abandoned plans for a third movie, featuring Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and the introduction of Robin.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Hamm and Quinones reunite for this follow-up, acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years after Batman '89, Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provides closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn out of retirement to help Barry Allen combat 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?

Battman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, despite the absence of Burton and Keaton. However, with The Flash, DC now considers these films part of a separate universe. The Batman '89 comics are now 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 set to continue in the DCEU with the Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. However, Warner Bros. canceled the film during post-production as a tax writeoff, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.

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