Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even decades after his last directorial effort on a Batman film. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in the 2023 movie "The Flash," briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. However, the Burton-Verse continues to expand through new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the recently announced "Batman: Revolution."

Navigating the entire Burton-Verse can be complex, but we've got you covered. Below is a comprehensive guide on how the various Tim Burton 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 chronological order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming "Batman: Revolution," there are seven projects within Burton’s Batman universe. This collection comprises three films, two novels, and two comics: "Batman" (1989), "Batman Returns" (1992), "The Flash" (2023), the novels "Batman: Resurrection" and "Batman: Revolution," and the comics "Batman '89" and "Batman '89: Echoes."

It's important to note that "Batman Forever" (1995) and "Batman & Robin" (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll discuss the reasons for this exclusion later.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman

While Burton's Batman movies are available for streaming 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 media:

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

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

This set 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

Following The Joker's death, Batman and Gotham City confront a new threat in this 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 entry includes a brief plot overview and highlights the key heroes and villains featured.

1. Batman (1989)

The film that ignited the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton's Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased the public's appetite for darker superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel picks up after the first movie, with Batman tackling the 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 relationship with Vicki Vale.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller's second novel, set between the events of "Batman" and "Batman Returns," introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a frustrated newspaper copy editor who turns to crime, capitalizing on Gotham's resentment toward its wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton return for this sequel, set 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."

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic series, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to "Batman Returns." 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.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Hamm and Quinones reunite for this follow-up, acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Set three years after "Batman '89," it follows Robin and Batgirl as they confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn, with Bruce Wayne missing.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite mixed reviews, "The Flash" offers closure to Keaton's Batman saga. 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?

Initially considered sequels to "Batman" and "Batman Returns," "Batman Forever" and "Batman & Robin" diverged significantly in tone and quality. With "The Flash," DC officially placed these films in a separate DC Universe, making the "Batman '89" comics the canonical sequels to "Batman Returns."

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton's Batman was set to continue in the DCEU, with a role in the canceled "Batgirl" movie. Keaton would have portrayed an older, mentor-like Batman to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser reprising their roles. However, the film was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.

For more on DC's future, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman separate from the DCU and check out every DC movie and series currently in development.