Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe, particularly with his Batman films, remains strong even decades after his last directorial effort. Michael Keaton's reprisal of Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash brought his iconic portrayal back into the spotlight, albeit briefly within the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to thrive, expanding through new comic books and novels, including the recently announced Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the entirety of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we've got you covered. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide to understanding how the various Tim Burton Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect. Additionally, you can explore 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 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.
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 to stream on Max and the Batman '89 comics can be read on DC Universe Infinite, physical media remains a popular choice. Here are some options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:
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 who appear.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. Burton's first Batman movie features Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, early in his career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The film sparked "Bat-Mania" and showcased a demand for darker, more mature superhero movies.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
In John Jackson Miller's novel, set after the first movie, Batman confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. The story bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the fallout of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, a newspaper copy editor named Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime amid growing resentment toward Gotham's elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman faces 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 serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. It explores Burton's unrealized plans for a third film, with Harvey Dent becoming Two-Face and the introduction of a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
Continuing the comic narrative, Batman '89: Echoes acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton film, with Bruce Wayne missing and Robin and Batgirl facing Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite mixed reception, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne emerges from retirement to help Barry Allen against General Zod's threat.
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?
Basketman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially considered sequels to Burton's films, despite neither Burton nor Keaton returning. They retained some continuity with the presence of characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred. However, their tonal differences and perceived inferiority led DC to classify them as part of a separate universe following The Flash. The Batman '89 comics now serve as the canon continuation of Keaton's Batman saga.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Originally, Keaton's Batman was set to continue in the DCEU beyond The Flash. An earlier version of the film had Batman and Supergirl surviving into the restored DCEU timeline, leading into the now-canceled Batgirl movie. Keaton was to play a mentor role to Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also reprising their roles. However, Batgirl was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's plans and likely Keaton's final Batman performance.
For more on the evolving DC Universe, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and stay updated on every DC movie and series in development.
