Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in the 2023 movie The Flash, briefly integrating his version of Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to grow through 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 it. Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

For a broader look at the Batman franchise, you can also explore our 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. This includes three films, two novels, and two comics:

• Films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023)
• Novels: Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution
• 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, as we'll explain later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman

While you can stream Burton's Batman movies on Max and access the Batman '89 comics via DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies has its charm. Here are some options for purchasing Burton-Verse materials:

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 contains a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains who appear in that film or book.

1. Batman (1989)

The original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. It features Michael Keaton's Dark Knight early in his career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The movie ignited "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated Hollywood's appetite for darker superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, where Batman confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the end of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's romance.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

In this novel by Miller, set between Batman and Batman Returns, the Burton-Verse introduces the Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus who turns to crime after feeling unappreciated.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman faces Catwoman and the Penguin during Gotham's tumultuous holiday season. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to Batman Forever.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

This comic, a direct sequel to Batman Returns, is set three years later. It explores Burton's abandoned plans for a third movie, featuring Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and the introduction of Robin, with Catwoman returning.

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

This comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, set three years after Batman '89. It follows Robin and Batgirl as they tackle Scarecrow and Harley Quinn while Bruce Wayne is missing.

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 completionists, Robert Wuhl reprises his role as Alexander Knox in the first chapter of The CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, briefly showing Earth-89's Gotham.

8. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, The Flash offers closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is coaxed out of retirement to face General Zod, after Barry Allen's timeline alterations.

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?

Battman Forever and Batman & Robin were once seen as sequels to Burton's films, sharing some continuity through characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred. However, they are now considered part of a different DC Universe due to their tonal differences and the absence of Burton and Keaton. The Batman '89 comics serve as the official sequels to Batman Returns, connecting to The Flash.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to continue his Batman role in the DCEU, including in the canceled Batgirl movie. In this film, Keaton would have played an older Batman mentoring Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also involved. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. canceled the project during post-production for tax reasons, leaving fans without Keaton's final Batman performance.

For more on the evolving DC Universe, discover why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and stay updated on every DC movie and series in development.