Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong even decades after his last Batman film. With Michael Keaton reprising his role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, and the expansion of the Burton-Verse through new comic books and novel spinoffs like the recently announced Batman: Revolution, fans are eager to explore this unique universe. Navigating the full scope of Burton's Batman saga can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it all.
You can also explore our comprehensive guide to watching all the Batman movies in chronological order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are currently seven projects set in 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.
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 explain why 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 enhance your collection. Here are some recommended 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
Following the Joker's death, Batman and Gotham City face a new threat in this sequel to Burton's 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.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the original film that launched Burton's Batman saga. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker in a movie that sparked "Bat-Mania" and showcased a demand for darker, more mature superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, where Batman confronts the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise 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 who turns to crime due to his frustration with Gotham's elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton return in this sequel set years after the first film. Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham.
5. Batman ‘89 (2021)
This comic serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. It introduces Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman making a return.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
This comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, where Bruce Wayne goes missing, and Robin and Batgirl face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provides closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn back into action by Barry Allen 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?
Originally seen as sequels to Burton's films, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are now considered part of a different DC Universe due to their tonal differences and lack of Burton and Keaton's involvement. The Batman ‘89 comics are now the canon continuation of Keaton's Batman story.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU with the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film reached post-production before being canceled as a tax writeoff, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.
For more on the future of DC movies, discover why James Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and learn about every DC movie and series in development.
