Tim Burton's Batman Universe: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even three decades after his last directorial effort on a Batman movie. Michael Keaton reprised his role as Bruce Wayne in the 2023 film The Flash, which temporarily brought his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to expand with new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the recently announced Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the entire Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through the various Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics and how they interconnect. For a broader perspective, you can also explore our comprehensive guide on watching all Batman movies in chronological order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Currently, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe, including three films, two novels, and two comics. This lineup features 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. Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe, which we'll discuss 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 rewarding. 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 general plot overview and lists the heroes and villains featured in each film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

This groundbreaking film initiated the Burton-Verse, with 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)

In this novel by John Jackson Miller, Batman navigates the aftermath of the first movie, tackling remnants of the Joker Gang and confronting Clayface. It also bridges the narrative between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the fallout of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime due to his frustration with societal inequality.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned 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)

This comic series serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. It introduces Two-Face and a version of Robin, with Catwoman returning. The comic draws from Burton's unmade third film.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

Following Batman '89, this comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

In The Flash, Keaton's older Bruce Wayne is pulled out of retirement by Barry Allen to face General Zod, providing closure to his Batman saga.

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?

Originally considered sequels, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were not directed by Burton or starred Keaton. Despite some continuity with the previous films via supporting characters, these movies are now treated as part of a separate DC Universe. The Batman '89 comics are now the canon sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to reprise his role in the canceled Batgirl movie, which was meant to integrate into the DCEU. However, the film was canceled as a tax write-off, becoming a casualty of Warner Bros.' shifting plans for the DC Universe.