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 he hasn't directed a Batman movie in over three decades. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's *The Flash* briefly brought his Batman into the DCEU, and the Burton-Verse continues to grow with new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the recently announced *Batman: Revolution*. 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 the various Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.

You can also explore our full guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Counting the upcoming *Batman: Revolution*, there are currently seven projects set in Burton's Batman universe. This includes three films, two novels, and two comics: 1989's *Batman*, 1992's *Batman Returns*, and 2023's *The Flash*, along with the novels *Batman: Resurrection* and *Batman: Revolution*, and 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'll delve into 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]

This collection includes *Batman*, *Batman Returns*, *Batman Forever*, and *Batman & Robin*. Originally priced at $90.00, it's now available for $64.99 at Amazon, a 28% savings.

Batman '89

Originally $24.99, you can now purchase it for $15.27 at Amazon, a 39% discount.

Batman '89: Echoes

Available for $22.49 at Amazon, down from $24.99, a 10% savings.

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15. This novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman facing a new threat. Originally $30.00, it's now $27.49 at Amazon, an 8% discount.

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Available for preorder, releasing October 28. Originally $30.00, it's now $27.00 at Amazon, a 10% discount.

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 that film or book.*

1. Batman (1989)

This iconic film kickstarted the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton as Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased the demand for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

John Jackson Miller's novel follows the events of the first movie, with Batman confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface. It bridges the gap to *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, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor turned criminal mastermind, set between *Batman* and *Batman Returns*.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, where Batman battles Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to *Batman Forever* without Burton or Keaton.

5. Batman '89 (2021)

This comic series, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to *Batman Returns*. It introduces Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman making a return.

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

6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)

Following *Batman '89*, this comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, with Bruce Wayne missing and Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

*The Flash* brings Keaton's Batman back for a final mission, as Barry Allen's time-traveling antics lead to a confrontation with 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 *Batman* and *Batman Returns*, *Batman Forever* and *Batman & Robin* diverged significantly in tone and quality. With *The Flash*, DC now officially places these films in a separate DC Universe, with the *Batman '89* comics serving as the canon 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 the *Batgirl* movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. However, Warner Bros. canceled the film during post-production as a tax writeoff, marking a significant shift in their DC plans and the transition to James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU.

For more on the future of DC movies, find out why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and brush up on every DC movie and series in development.