Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong, 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 with new comic books and novels, such as the recently announced Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the 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 complete viewing experience, check out our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
Currently, there are seven projects in Burton’s Batman universe, including three films, two novels, and two comics. These are Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), The Flash (2023), 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, a topic we'll discuss further below.
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 purchasing 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
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 contains a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains who appear in that film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the original movie that sparked it all. Burton’s first Batman film features Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, early in his superhero career, battling Jack Nicholson's Joker. It inspired a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated a demand for darker, more mature superhero films.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
John Jackson Miller's novel follows the aftermath of the first movie, with Batman facing 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 version of the Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor who turns to crime due to his unrecognized crime-solving skills, amidst growing resentment towards Gotham's elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set years after the first film. Batman faces off against Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season. Plans for a third film fell through, leading to Batman Forever.
5. Batman ‘89 (2021)
This comic serves as a sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it features Harvey Dent turning into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman returning.
Click here to learn more about how Batman ‘89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
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This follow-up comic, also by Hamm and Quinones, acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years after Batman ‘89, Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to confront Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
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For hardcore Burton-Verse fans, Robert Wuhl reprises Alexander Knox in this episode, set on Earth-89, amidst the crossover's live-action DC cameos.
8. The Flash (2023)
Despite mixed reception, The Flash provides closure for Keaton’s Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn back into action by Ezra Miller's 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?
Bacon Forever and Batman & Robin were initially considered sequels to Batman and Batman Returns, despite the absence of Burton and Keaton. Shared characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred provided some continuity, but these films are now seen as tonally different and inferior.
With The Flash, DC officially positions Batman Forever and Batman & Robin in a separate DC Universe. The Batman ‘89 comics are now the canon sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton’s Bruce Wayne's journey between Returns and The Flash.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Keaton was set for a recurring role in the DCEU, culminating in the Batgirl movie. He portrayed a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also starring. Unfortunately, Batgirl was canceled during post-production for a tax writeoff, marking a significant loss for Keaton fans and the evolving DC line.
For more on DC's future, explore why James Gunn should keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman out of the DCU and learn about every DC movie and series in development.
