Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong even decades after his last Batman film. In 2023, Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to expand with new comic books and novels, such as the upcoming Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the entire Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.
For a broader perspective, you can also explore our guide on watching all the Batman movies in chronological order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the yet-to-be-released Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects within Burton’s Batman universe. These consist of three films, two novels, and two comics: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), The Flash (2023), 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. We'll delve into why later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman
While Burton's Batman movies are available for streaming on Max and the Batman '89 comics can be read on DC Universe Infinite, physical copies are also a great option. Here are some recommended purchases:
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.
- Original Price: $90.00
- Sale Price: $64.99 at Amazon
Batman '89
Batman '89
- Original Price: $24.99
- Sale Price: $15.27 at Amazon
Batman '89: Echoes
Batman '89: Echoes
- Original Price: $24.99
- Sale Price: $22.49 at Amazon
Batman: Resurrection
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15. This novel follows Batman and Gotham City as they face a new threat post-Joker's death.
- Original Price: $30.00
- Sale Price: $27.49 at Amazon
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Available from October 28.
- Original Price: $30.00
- Sale Price: $27.00 at Amazon
Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order
Each entry below provides a broad overview of the plot and highlights the heroes and villains featured.
1. Batman (1989)
The inaugural film that sparked it all, Burton's Batman features Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight confronting Jack Nicholson's Joker. This movie kicked off a wave of "Bat-Mania" and showcased the demand for darker superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel picks up after the first film, with Batman battling the remnants of the Joker Gang and facing Clayface. It also introduces Max Shreck and explores the end of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship, bridging the gap to Batman Returns.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's second novel introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, who transitions from a newspaper copy editor to a criminal mastermind, exploiting Gotham's resentment toward its elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton reunite for this sequel, where Batman battles 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)
Set three years after Batman Returns, this comic acts as a sequel, featuring Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent transforming into Two-Face and introducing a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. Catwoman also returns.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
This comic follows up on Batman '89, acting as Burton's hypothetical fourth film. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and Batgirl confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite its critical and commercial struggles, The Flash offers closure to Keaton's Batman saga. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn out of retirement to tackle General Zod's threat alongside The Flash.
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, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin diverged tonally and creatively from Burton's vision. With The Flash, DC now officially places them in a different universe, making Batman '89 the canonical sequel to Batman Returns.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton was set to reprise his role in the now-canceled Batgirl movie, which would have seen him mentoring Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film reached post-production before being canceled as a tax write-off, marking a potential final performance of Keaton's Batman.
