Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to thrive, even though it's been over three decades since he last directed a Batman film. The legacy of his unique vision was reignited when Michael Keaton returned as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. Moreover, the Burton-Verse is expanding through new comic books and novels, such as the forthcoming Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we've got you covered. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to experience all the Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics in the correct order.
For a broader perspective on the Batman franchise, don't miss our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include the iconic films 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.
Note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll delve into the reasons behind this exclusion later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman
While Burton's Batman films can be streamed on Max and the Batman ‘89 comics are available on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies is a great option. Here are some recommended places to purchase the Burton-Verse movies and books:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
This collection includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
Price: $64.99 (Save 28% off $90.00) at Amazon
Batman '89
Batman '89
Price: $15.27 (Save 39% off $24.99) at Amazon
Batman '89: Echoes
Batman '89: Echoes
Price: $22.49 (Save 10% off $24.99) at Amazon
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15 - Batman: Resurrection
In this sequel to Burton’s Batman, Gotham faces a new threat following The Joker’s death.
Price: $27.49 (Save 8% off $30.00) at Amazon
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Out October 28 - Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Price: $27.00 (Save 10% off $30.00) at Amazon
Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order
Each summary provides a general plot overview and highlights the key heroes and villains featured.
1. Batman (1989)
The film that started it all, Burton's Batman features Michael Keaton as the early-career Dark Knight battling Jack Nicholson's Joker, sparking a wave of "Bat-Mania" and proving the market for darker superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel takes place after the first movie, with Batman facing the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. It bridges the gap to Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and delving into Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's follow-up novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor turned criminal mastermind who exploits Gotham's resentment towards its elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
In this sequel, Keaton's Batman faces Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's 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, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. It introduces Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman's return.
Learn more about how Batman ‘89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
Hamm and Quinones' follow-up comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. It follows Robin and the new Batgirl as they tackle threats from Scarecrow and Harley Quinn, set three years after Batman ‘89.
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash offers closure for Keaton's Batman, who comes out of retirement to face General Zod alongside Ezra Miller's Barry Allen.
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?
Basketball Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, but without Burton or Keaton, they diverged significantly in tone and quality. With The Flash, DC officially separates these films into their own universe, with the Batman ‘89 comics serving as the true sequels to Batman Returns.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: This section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton's Batman was set to continue beyond The Flash in the DCEU, including in the now-canceled Batgirl movie. Keaton would have portrayed a mentor figure to Leslie Grace's Batgirl, but the project was abandoned for a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's strategy under James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DCU.
For more on the evolving landscape of DC films, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and every DC movie and series in development.
