Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even three decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash briefly brought his iconic Batman into the DCEU, and the Burton-Verse continues to grow with new comic books and novel spinoffs, including the recently announced Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the entire Burton-Verse can be complex, but we've got you covered with a comprehensive guide to all the Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics.

For a broader look at the Batman franchise, check out our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include 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.

Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of Burton's universe, a distinction we'll discuss 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 has its charm. Here are some great purchasing options:

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 provides a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains featured in each work.

1. Batman (1989)

This is where it all began. Burton's first Batman film introduced Michael Keaton's Dark Knight, early in his superhero career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The movie sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased the demand for darker, more mature superhero films in Hollywood.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first film, with Batman confronting remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and delving deeper into Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's crumbling relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller's second novel, set between Batman and Batman Returns, introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a frustrated copy editor who turns to crime, exploiting Gotham's resentment towards its elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the original. Batman faces Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a chaotic 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 acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it follows Burton's unused plans for a third film. Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face, and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans is introduced, alongside a return of Catwoman.

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Continuing from Batman '89, this comic explores what a hypothetical fourth Burton movie might have looked like. Three years after the previous comic, Keaton's Bruce Wayne is missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to battle Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Although not well-received, The Flash provided some closure to Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne, brought back by Ezra Miller's Barry Allen, teams up with The Flash to face General Zod in a high-stakes mission.

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 Burton's films, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin lacked Burton and Keaton's involvement. Despite shared supporting characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred, these films are tonally different and considered inferior. With The Flash, DC officially placed them in a separate universe, with Batman '89 comics serving as the canon continuation of Burton's saga.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton's Batman was meant to continue in the DCEU beyond The Flash, with an earlier version of the movie having him and Supergirl cross over into the restored DCEU. Keaton reprised his role in the canceled Batgirl movie, playing a mentor to Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also involved. The film was canceled for a tax write-off, marking a significant change 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 discover all the DC movies and series in development.