How to Watch (and Read) Tim Burton's Batman Universe In Chronological Order

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to thrive even decades after his last directorial stint with a Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash briefly transported his iconic Batman into the DCEU, and the Burton-Verse keeps expanding with new comic books and novel spinoffs like the recently announced Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be quite complex, but fear not—we've got you covered. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding how all the Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

For a broader look at the franchise, check out our detailed 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 set within Burton's Batman universe: three films, two novels, and two comics. This collection encompasses the 1989 film Batman, the 1992 sequel Batman Returns, and The Flash from 2023, along with the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes.

Notably, this list does not include Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), which are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll delve into the reasons for their exclusion 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 accessed on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a rewarding experience. Here are some excellent options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:

Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]

Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]

This set includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. Originally priced at $90.00, it's now available for $64.99 at Amazon, a 28% savings.

Batman '89

Batman '89

Originally $24.99, you can now purchase it for $15.27 at Amazon, a 39% discount.

Batman '89: Echoes

Batman '89: Echoes

Available for $22.49 at Amazon, down from $24.99, a 10% savings.

Batman: Resurrection

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15. This novel follows the aftermath of the Joker's death and introduces a new threat to Gotham. Originally $30.00, it's now $27.49 at Amazon, an 8% discount.

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Available for preorder with a release date of October 28. Originally $30.00, it's now $27.00 at Amazon, a 10% discount.

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)

This groundbreaking film introduced Michael Keaton as Batman, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel picks up after the first movie, with Batman confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It bridges the gap to 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 turned criminal mastermind, set between Batman and Batman Returns.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, where Batman battles Catwoman and the 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, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. It introduces Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman making a return.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

This follow-up comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, with Bruce Wayne missing and Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite mixed reviews, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman, with an older Bruce Wayne teaming up with The Flash to 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?

Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, but without Burton or Keaton, they diverged significantly in tone and quality. With The Flash, DC officially placed these films in a separate universe, making the Batman '89 comics the canonical sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU, including in the now-canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film was deep into post-production when it was canceled for a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.

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