Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe remains strong even though he hasn't directed a Batman movie in over three decades. 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 expand, with new comic books and novel spinoffs 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 full guide on watching all the Batman movies in chronological order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven projects set 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]

This collection includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. Originally priced at $90.00, it's now available for $64.99 at Amazon.

Batman '89

Batman '89

Originally $24.99, now available for $15.27 at Amazon.

Batman '89: Echoes

Batman '89: Echoes

Originally $24.99, now available for $22.49 at Amazon.

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15

Following the Joker's death, Batman faces a new threat in Gotham. Originally $30.00, now available for $27.49 at Amazon.

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Out October 28

Originally $30.00, now available for $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 film kickstarted the Burton-Verse, featuring Michael Keaton's Batman facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. It sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated the 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 confronting the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence 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 who turns to crime, exploiting Gotham's resentment toward its wealthy elite.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton returned for this sequel, set a few years after the first film. Batman battles Catwoman and the Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Plans for a third movie fell through, leading to Batman Forever.

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 Harvey Dent's transformation into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman making a return.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

Continuing from Batman '89, this comic acts as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie. Three years on, Bruce Wayne goes missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. The Flash (2023)

Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provided closure for Keaton's Batman. An older Bruce Wayne is drawn out of retirement to confront General Zod after Barry Allen's timeline alterations.

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. Shared characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred provided some continuity. However, these films are now considered part of a separate DC Universe, with the Batman '89 comics serving as the official sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!

Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU, including in the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would mentor Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film reached post-production before being canceled for a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in Warner Bros.' plans for the DC Universe.