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

Tim Burton may not have directed a Batman movie in over 30 years, but his distinctive take on the DC Universe remains vibrant and influential. In 2023, fans were thrilled to see Michael Keaton return as Bruce Wayne in "The Flash," marking a brief yet significant crossover into the DCEU. However, the Burton-Verse continues to thrive with new additions like the recently announced novel, Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the expansive world of the Burton-Verse can be quite complex, given the array of movies, novels, and comics. But fear not! We've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you understand how all these elements intertwine within Burton's universe.

For those interested in a broader perspective, you might want to 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 Tim Burton's Batman universe. This collection spans three films, two novels, and two comics, featuring:

• 1989's Batman
• 1992's Batman Returns
• 2023's The Flash
• The novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution
• The comics Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes

Note that 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin are no longer considered part of Burton’s Batman universe, a topic we will explore further.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman

While Burton's Batman movies can be streamed on Max and the Batman '89 comics are available on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies remains a beloved choice. Here are some top picks for purchasing Burton-Verse content:

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. After The Joker's death, Batman and Gotham City face a new mysterious threat.
$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

Below is a detailed chronology of the Burton-Verse, with each entry providing a broad overview of the plot and the key heroes and villains involved:

1. Batman (1989)

The film that launched the Burton-Verse features Michael Keaton's Batman early in his career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. Its release sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased a demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

In this novel by John Jackson Miller, set post-Joker's death, Batman confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and a new villain, Clayface. It also introduces Max Shreck and delves into the breakup of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Another novel by Miller, set between Batman and Batman Returns, introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime fueled by resentment toward Gotham's elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Keaton and Burton reunite for this sequel, where Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin amidst a chaotic holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to Batman Forever.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic, a direct sequel to Batman Returns, sees Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent transform into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. Catwoman also returns, fulfilling a tease from the previous movie.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Serving as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, this comic sees Bruce Wayne go missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite its lukewarm reception, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman, portraying an older Bruce Wayne coaxed out of retirement by Ezra Miller's Barry Allen to combat Michael Shannon's 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 to Burton's films, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin featured some continuity through returning supporting characters. However, their different tone and the absence of Burton and Keaton led to their separation from the Burton-Verse. With The Flash, DC officially placed them in a different universe, with Batman '89 comics now serving as the canon continuation of Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton's Batman was initially set for a more extended role in the DCEU, including the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film, which also featured J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser, was canceled during post-production as a tax writeoff, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.

For more insights into the future of DC movies, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and get updates on every DC movie and series in development.