Tim Burton's Batman: Chronological Viewing and Reading Guide

Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to thrive, even three decades after his last Batman film. The iconic director's unique take on Gotham City and its Dark Knight has not only seen Michael Keaton return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash but has also expanded through various comic books and novels. The latest addition to this expanding universe is the newly announced Batman: Revolution.

Navigating the entire Burton-Verse can be quite complex, but fear not—we're here to guide you through the intricate web of movies, novels, and comics that make up this distinctive Batman universe.

For a comprehensive overview of the Batman film series, you can also refer to our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse comprises seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include the 1989 Batman, 1992's Batman Returns, and 2023's The Flash, alongside 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 delve into the reasons behind this 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 accessed on DC Universe Infinite, opting for physical media can be a rewarding choice. Here are some excellent 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

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

$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 where it all began. Burton’s first Batman film introduces Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight, early in his crime-fighting career, facing off against Jack Nicholson’s Joker. The movie sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated Hollywood's appetite for darker, more mature superhero films.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Set in the aftermath of the first film, this novel by John Jackson Miller sees Batman grappling with the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of Clayface, a shape-shifting villain. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and exploring the dissolution of Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller returns with another novel set between Batman and Batman Returns. Revolution introduces the Burton-Verse's version of the Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor turned criminal mastermind who exploits Gotham's growing resentment towards its elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton reunite for this sequel, set a few years after the original. Batman faces off against Catwoman and the Penguin as Gotham endures a chaotic holiday season. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to Burton and Keaton's departure from the subsequent Batman Forever.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

This six-issue comic, written by Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, directly follows Batman Returns. Set three years later, it features Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent transforming into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans. Catwoman also returns, fulfilling the tease from Batman Returns.

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

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

Serving as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, this follow-up to Batman ‘89 sees Keaton's Bruce Wayne go missing. Robin and a new Batgirl confront the threats posed by 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 and the looming 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?

Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were initially seen as sequels to Burton's films, despite the absence of Burton and Keaton. The continuity was maintained through characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred. However, these films are now considered tonally and narratively distinct and are officially set in a separate DC Universe. The Batman ‘89 comics are now recognized as the canonical sequels to Batman Returns, bridging the gap to The Flash.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton's Batman was initially planned to continue beyond The Flash, with a role in the DCEU and the now-canceled Batgirl movie. In Batgirl, Keaton would have portrayed an older, mentor-like Batman to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons reprising his role as Commissioner Gordon and Brendan Fraser as Firefly. Unfortunately, Batgirl was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans towards James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DCU.

For more on the future of DC movies, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and check out every DC movie and series currently in development.