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

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even decades after his last directorial effort with Batman. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash not only reintroduced his iconic portrayal to a new generation but also expanded Burton's Batman universe into the DCEU, albeit briefly. This universe continues to grow with new comic books and novels, such as the upcoming Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but this guide will help you understand how all the movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

For a complete list of Batman movies in chronological order, you can refer to our detailed guide.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe. These include three films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023); two novels: Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution; and two 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, and we'll explore the reasons behind this later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman

While Burton's Batman movies are available on streaming platforms like Max, and the Batman '89 comics can be accessed via DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a great addition to your collection. Here are some purchasing options:

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

This collection includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
$90.00 save 28%
$64.99 at Amazon

Batman '89

$24.99 save 39%
$15.27 at Amazon

Batman '89: Echoes

$24.99 save 10%
$22.49 at Amazon

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15.
In this sequel to Burton's Batman, Gotham faces a new threat after The Joker's death.
$30.00 save 8%
$27.49 at Amazon

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Out October 28.
$30.00 save 10%
$27.00 at Amazon

Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order

Each entry below provides a broad plot overview and highlights the key characters involved.

1. Batman (1989)

This film marked the beginning of Burton's Batman saga, featuring Michael Keaton as Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased a demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Set after the first movie, this novel by John Jackson Miller sees Batman grappling with the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It also introduces Max Shreck and explores the breakdown of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Another novel by Miller set between Batman and Batman Returns, it introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, who becomes a criminal mastermind, exploiting Gotham's disdain for its wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Returning with Keaton, this sequel pits Batman against Catwoman and Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to the departure of Burton and Keaton from the franchise.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, a direct sequel to Batman Returns, introduces Two-Face and a new Robin, while bringing back Catwoman. It's inspired by Burton's unproduced third film.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Acting as Burton's hypothetical fourth movie, this comic sees Batman missing, with Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman, showing an older Bruce Wayne teaming up with The Flash against 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?

Originally considered sequels, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged significantly in tone and quality from Burton's films. With The Flash, DC now categorizes these films as part of a separate DC Universe, with the Batman '89 comics serving as the true 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 now-canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film was well into post-production when it was canceled for a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.