Tim Burton's Batman Universe: A Chronological Guide to Watching and Reading

Tim Burton may not have helmed a Batman film in over three decades, but his dark, gothic vision of Gotham continues to thrive. Michael Keaton’s return as Bruce Wayne in 2023’s The Flash briefly bridged the iconic Burton-Verse with the DCEU, reigniting fan passion for this beloved interpretation. And now, the universe keeps expanding through fresh comic book series and original novels—including the upcoming Batman: Revolution.

With new installments arriving regularly, navigating the full Tim Burton Batman experience has become more complex than ever. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Below is a complete guide to every Burton-Verse movie, comic, and novel, and how they all connect.

You can also explore our full guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.

How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?

As of now, and including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, there are seven official entries in Tim Burton’s Batman universe: three films, two novels, and two comic book series. The lineup includes Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), and The Flash (2023), along with the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman ‘89 and Batman ‘89: Echoes.

Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of the official Burton-Verse continuity. We’ll explain why later on.

Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman Content

While you can stream the classic films on Max and read the Batman ‘89 comics via DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies ensures long-term access. Here are some top picks for building your Burton-Verse collection:

Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]

Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
$90.00 $64.99 at Amazon (save 28%)

Batman '89

$24.99 $15.27 at Amazon (save 39%)

Batman '89: Echoes

$24.99 $22.49 at Amazon (save 10%)

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder – Releases October 15
Set after the Joker’s demise, this novel follows Batman as he faces a new threat in Gotham and confronts the terrifying villain Clayface. A direct sequel to Burton’s 1989 film, it also sets the stage for Batman Returns by introducing Max Shreck and exploring the breakdown of Bruce Wayne’s relationship with Vicki Vale.
$30.00 $27.49 at Amazon (save 8%)

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Releases October 28
From author John Jackson Miller, this sequel novel dives into Gotham’s political unrest, introducing the Burton-Verse’s take on the Riddler—Norman Pinkus, a disgruntled newspaper editor who turns to crime.
$30.00 $27.00 at Amazon (save 10%)

Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order

Each entry below includes a brief plot summary and key characters.

1. Batman (1989)

Burton’s groundbreaking film introduces Michael Keaton as a brooding, early-career Batman, facing off against Jack Nicholson’s chaotic Joker. The movie sparked a cultural phenomenon and redefined superhero cinema with its dark tone and gothic aesthetic.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Set in the aftermath of the first film, John Jackson Miller’s novel explores Gotham’s lingering trauma after the Joker’s reign of terror. Batman confronts the emerging threat of Clayface while navigating political intrigue and personal loss. The story also introduces Max Shreck and delves into the unraveling of Bruce and Vicki Vale’s relationship.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Miller returns with another novel set between Batman and Batman Returns. This time, Norman Pinkus—a brilliant but overlooked copy editor—transforms into the Riddler, exploiting Gotham’s growing class tensions. His crimes force Batman to confront a new kind of enemy: one fueled by intellect and resentment.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Burton and Keaton reunite for a darker, more surreal sequel. Batman battles Danny DeVito’s grotesque Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s vengeful Catwoman during a twisted holiday season. Though a third film was planned, creative differences led to Burton and Keaton exiting the franchise.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

This six-issue comic series, written by original Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, serves as a true sequel to Batman Returns. Set three years later, it adapts Burton’s unrealized vision for a third film. Harvey Dent becomes Two-Face, a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans appears, and Catwoman returns—fulfilling the tease from the end of Returns.

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

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

Hamm and Quinones reunite for a follow-up that functions as a hypothetical fourth Burton film. Three years after Batman ‘89, Bruce Wayne has vanished, leaving Robin and a newly introduced Batgirl to protect Gotham from Scarecrow—designed in the likeness of Jeff Goldblum—and a Harley Quinn inspired by Madonna.

7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)

A brief but meaningful cameo for Burton-Verse fans: Robert Wuhl reprises his role as reporter Alexander Knox in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. The scene takes place on Earth-89, where Knox reads a newspaper under red skies—a nod to the multiverse collapse. A small but canonical link to the Burton world.

8. The Flash (2023)

Despite mixed reviews, *The Flash* delivered a powerful moment for fans: Michael Keaton’s return as an older Bruce Wayne. When Barry Allen alters the timeline, he brings Keaton’s Batman into the DCEU, prompting a final mission against General Zod. The film serves as both an epilogue and a tribute to Burton’s Batman legacy.

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?

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