Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains robust even decades after his last directorial effort with Batman. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash briefly integrated his Batman into the DCEU, and the Burton-Verse continues to grow 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 comprehensive look at all Batman movies in sequence, check out our full 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, comprising three films, two novels, and two comics. These include 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, a distinction we'll discuss later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman

While you can stream Burton's Batman movies on Max and access the Batman '89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can enhance your collection. Here are some purchasing options:

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 featured.

1. Batman (1989)

This iconic film kickstarted the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton as the early-career Dark Knight facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated a demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman confronting remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It bridges the gap to Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and delving into Bruce Wayne's deteriorating relationship with Vicki Vale.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Another novel by Miller, set between Batman and Batman Returns, introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime amidst Gotham's rising resentment towards the wealthy.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton return in this sequel, set 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 six-issue comic, penned by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. Set three years later, it explores Burton's abandoned third movie ideas, including Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and the introduction of Robin and Catwoman.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Batman '89: Echoes & Superman '78: The Metal Curtain Cover Gallery

11 Images

Serving as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, Batman '89: Echoes follows Keaton's missing Bruce Wayne, with Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

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

Every Character in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover

23 Images

For die-hard fans, Robert Wuhl reprises his role as Alexander Knox in this crossover, briefly shifting to Earth-89.

8. The Flash (2023)

Despite mixed reviews, The Flash offers closure to Keaton's Batman saga. An older Bruce Wayne returns, prompted by Barry Allen's timeline alterations and the threat of 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?

Initially seen as sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged in tone and quality, lacking Burton's directorial touch and Keaton's portrayal. With The Flash, DC now categorizes them in a separate universe, making 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 through the now-canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Barbara Gordon. The film reached post-production before being canceled for a tax writeoff, marking a shift in DC's strategy towards the new DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran.

For insights into 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.