How to Watch (and Read) Tim Burton's Batman Universe In Chronological Order
Tim Burton might not have directed a Batman film in over three decades, but his indelible mark on the DC Universe persists. Michael Keaton's triumphant return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash briefly bridged his Batman into the DCEU. Yet, the Burton-verse continues to expand through new comics and novels, most recently with the announced Batman: Revolution. Navigating this expanded universe can be tricky, but we've got you covered. Below is a comprehensive guide to the Tim Burton Batman films, novels, and comics.
You can also find our complete guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.
The Expanding Burton-Verse: How Many Stories Exist?
Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-verse currently boasts seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comic book series. This includes 1989's Batman, 1992's Batman Returns, and 2023's The Flash, along with the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman ‘89 and Batman ‘89: Echoes.
Notably absent are 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin, officially deemed separate from Burton's universe. We'll delve into the reasons later.
Where to Find Tim Burton's Batman
While streaming options exist for the films on Max and the comics on DC Universe Infinite, physical media remains a popular choice. Here are some purchasing options:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
$64.99 at Amazon
Batman ‘89
$15.27 at Amazon
Batman ‘89: Echoes
$22.49 at Amazon
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15
$27.49 at Amazon
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Out October 28
$27.00 at Amazon
Chronological Order of Tim Burton's Batman Universe
Each summary provides a plot overview and mentions key characters.
1. Batman (1989)
The origin story. Michael Keaton's Batman faces Jack Nicholson's Joker.
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
A novel bridging the gap between the first film and Batman Returns, featuring Clayface.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Another novel introducing the Burton-verse's Riddler.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Keaton's return, facing Catwoman and the Penguin.
5. Batman ‘89 (2021)
A comic sequel to Batman Returns, featuring Two-Face and Robin. Learn more about its contribution to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
A follow-up comic featuring Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
A cameo appearance by Alexander Knox.
8. The Flash (2023)
Keaton's final appearance as Batman.
Batman Forever and Batman & Robin: Where They Fit (or Don't)
Despite shared characters, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are now considered separate from the Burton-verse due to their tonal differences and the absence of Burton and Keaton. Batman ‘89 establishes the canonical sequels to Batman Returns.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
*Spoiler alert for The Flash!* Keaton's Batman was initially planned for a larger DCEU role, including the canceled Batgirl film. This project, featuring Keaton as a mentor to Batgirl, was scrapped during post-production.
