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

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even though it's been over three decades since he last directed a Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's *The Flash* brought his iconic portrayal back into the spotlight, albeit briefly within the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to grow, with new comic books and novels like the recently announced *Batman: Revolution* expanding the universe further.

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, 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. This includes 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, a topic we'll explore 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 read on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies can be a rewarding experience. Here are some options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:

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

4 Films

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

8Includes *Batman*, *Batman Returns*, *Batman Forever*, and *Batman & Robin*.
$90.00 save 28%
$64.99 at Amazon

Batman '89

0
$24.99 save 39%
$15.27 at Amazon

Batman '89: Echoes

0
$24.99 save 10%
$22.49 at Amazon

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15
8After 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
8
$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 in each film or book.*

1. Batman (1989)

This is the original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker in this movie that sparked a wave of "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, with Batman confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence 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 relationship.

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 amidst Gotham's growing resentment toward its elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman battles Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to *Batman Forever* without Burton or Keaton.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, a direct sequel to *Batman Returns*, is set three years later. It explores Burton's unmade third Batman film, featuring Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and the introduction of Robin, 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 comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, set three years after *Batman '89*. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl face threats from Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

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

For die-hard Burton-Verse fans, Robert Wuhl reprises his role as Alexander Knox in this crossover, briefly showing Earth-89 and Knox reading a newspaper as red skies loom over Gotham.

8. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, *The Flash* provided closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn out of retirement by Barry Allen's time-travel antics 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?

*Batman Forever* and *Batman & Robin* were once considered sequels to Burton's films, despite the absence of Burton and Keaton. They maintained some continuity through characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred. However, these films are now seen as tonally different and inferior, and with *The Flash*, DC officially places them in a separate DC Universe. The *Batman '89* comics are now the canon sequels to *Batman Returns*, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey 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, with plans for him to appear in the canceled *Batgirl* movie. In this film, Keaton would have played a mentor to Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also reprising their roles. Unfortunately, *Batgirl* was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans toward James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU.

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