Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains robust, even decades after his last Batman film. Michael Keaton reprised his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, briefly integrating his Batman into the DCEU. The Burton-Verse continues to expand through new comic books and novel spinoffs, such as the recently announced Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the entirety of the Burton-Verse can be a complex endeavor, 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 complete guide to watching all Batman movies in chronological order, check out our detailed resource.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are currently seven projects set within Burton's Batman universe. These consist of three films, two novels, and two comics. The lineup includes:
- 1989's Batman
- 1992's Batman Returns
- 2023's The Flash
- The novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution
- The comics Batman '89 and Batman '89: Echoes
Notably, 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin are no longer considered part of Burton's Batman universe, and we'll explore 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 has its merits. Here are some top options for purchasing the Burton-Verse movies and books:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
This set 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 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 each film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the groundbreaking film that kickstarted it all. Burton's first Batman movie features Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight early in his career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. The movie sparked "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the demand for darker, more mature superhero films in Hollywood.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel is set post-Batman, exploring Batman's battle against 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 delving into 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. Batman: Revolution introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime amid Gotham's growing resentment towards its wealthy elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Both Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman faces Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during Gotham's chaotic holiday season. Although a third film was planned, both Burton and Keaton opted out, leading to Batman Forever.
5. Batman ‘89 (2021)
DC's Batman ‘89 comic is a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. Written by Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it draws from Burton's unmade third Batman movie plans. The comic introduces Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent as Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman making a comeback.
For more on how Batman ‘89 expands the Burton-Verse, click here.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
Batman '89: Echoes acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, set three years after Batman ‘89. With Bruce Wayne missing, Robin and the new Batgirl tackle threats from Scarecrow (inspired by Jeff Goldblum) and Harley Quinn (inspired by Madonna).
7. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash offers closure for Keaton's Batman. Keaton returns as an older Bruce Wayne, drawn back into action by Ezra Miller's Barry Allen and the looming threat of Michael Shannon's 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 considered sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) diverged significantly in tone and quality. With neither Burton nor Keaton involved, these films maintained some continuity through characters like Pat Hingle's Commissioner Gordon and Michael Gough's Alfred. However, with The Flash, DC has officially placed Batman Forever and Batman & Robin in a separate DC Universe. The Batman ‘89 comics now serve as the canonical sequels to Batman Returns, detailing what happened to Keaton's Bruce Wayne before The Flash.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton's Batman was initially planned for a more extended role in the DCEU. An earlier version of The Flash had Keaton's Bruce Wayne and Sasha Calle's Supergirl crossing over into the restored DCEU. This storyline would have led into the now-canceled Batgirl movie, where Keaton played a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons returning as Commissioner Gordon and Brendan Fraser as Firefly. Despite reaching post-production, Batgirl was canceled by Warner Bros. as a tax write-off, becoming a significant casualty in the studio's shifting plans for the DC line and the transition to James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU. Without major leaks, fans may never see Keaton's final Batman performance.
For more on the future of DC movies, learn why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and explore every DC movie and series currently in development.
