Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

May 07,25

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to thrive, even decades after his last Batman film. In 2023, Michael Keaton returned as Bruce Wayne in The Flash, temporarily integrating his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse is expanding further with new comic books and novels, such as the forthcoming Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we've got you covered with a comprehensive guide to all the movies, novels, and comics that make up this unique Batman universe.

For a broader perspective on the Batman franchise, explore our complete 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 Tim Burton’s Batman universe. This encompasses three films, two novels, and two comics. The lineup includes 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 no longer considered part of Burton’s 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 accessed on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be rewarding. Here are some options for purchasing Burton-Verse media:

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 plot overview and highlights the heroes and villains featured in each film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

This groundbreaking film introduced Michael Keaton's Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker, sparking a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcasing the demand for darker superhero movies.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Set after the first movie, this novel by John Jackson Miller follows Batman as he confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. It bridges the gap to Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and delving into Bruce Wayne's relationship with Vicki Vale.

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, exploiting Gotham's resentment towards its elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Michael Keaton and Tim Burton returned for this sequel, where Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. It explores Burton's abandoned plans for a third film, featuring Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face and introducing a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

11 Images

A follow-up to Batman '89, this comic acts as Burton's hypothetical fourth movie. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl face off against Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

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

23 Images

Though primarily for completionists, Robert Wuhl reprised his role as Alexander Knox in this crossover, briefly showing Earth-89 with red skies over Gotham.

8. The Flash (2023)

Play

Despite mixed reviews, The Flash provided closure to Keaton's Batman saga. An older Bruce Wayne returns, coaxed out of retirement to tackle General Zod's threat alongside Ezra Miller's Barry Allen.

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?

Initially considered sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged significantly in tone and quality. With The Flash, DC now treats these films as part of a separate DC Universe. The Batman '89 comics are now the canon sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey leading up to The Flash.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton's Batman was initially set for a more extensive role in the DCEU, culminating in the Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. However, Warner Bros. canceled the film during post-production for a tax write-off, leaving fans without Keaton's final Batman performance.

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

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