Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton's return as 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 grow with new comic books and novels, 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 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 order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects within Burton's Batman universe. This includes three films: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023); two novels: Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution; and two 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, 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]
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 that film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the original film that kickstarted the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker in this movie that sparked "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated Hollywood's appetite for darker superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the rise of Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and 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 who exploits Gotham's resentment toward its elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton return for this sequel, set a few 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, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a direct sequel to Batman Returns. Set three years later, it features Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face and introduces 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)
Hamm and Quinones reunite for this follow-up, acting as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years after Batman '89, Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to 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 out of retirement by Ezra Miller's Barry Allen to confront 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?
Basketball Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, despite neither Burton nor Keaton returning. The presence of characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred provided some continuity. However, these films are now considered tonally different and inferior, and with The Flash, DC officially places them in a separate universe. The Batman '89 comics are now the canon sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey up to The Flash.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton's Batman was initially set for a more extensive role in the DCEU. An earlier version of The Flash had Keaton's Bruce and Sasha Calle's Supergirl crossing over into the restored DCEU, leading into the now-canceled Batgirl movie. Keaton reprised his role as a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also returning. Unfortunately, Batgirl was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.
For more on DC's future, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and every DC movie and series in development.
