Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to thrive, even decades after his last directorial venture into the world of Batman. With Michael Keaton reprising his iconic role as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, the Burton-Verse has not only persisted but expanded through various new comic books and novels, including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution.
Navigating the entirety of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but we're here to guide you through it. Below, we'll explore how all of Tim Burton's Batman movies, novels, and comics interconnect.
For a comprehensive 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 set within Burton's Batman universe, including three films, two novels, and two comics. This collection encompasses 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.
It's important to note that Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are not considered part of Burton's Batman universe. We'll delve into the reasons for this later.
Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman
While you can stream Burton's Batman movies on Max and read the Batman '89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies has its charm. Here are some recommended options for purchasing the Burton-Verse materials:
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 provides a broad overview of the plot and mentions the heroes/villains featured in each film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
The film that started it all, Burton's Batman introduces Michael Keaton's Dark Knight early in his superhero career, facing off against Jack Nicholson's Joker. This movie sparked a summer of "Bat-Mania" and showcased 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 tackling the remnants of the Joker Gang and the emergence of the shape-shifting villain Clayface. It bridges the gap between Batman and Batman Returns, introducing Max Shreck and delving deeper into Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale's relationship.
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Miller's second novel, set between Batman and Batman Returns, introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, a newspaper copy editor turned criminal mastermind, fueled by resentment towards Gotham's elite.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton return for this sequel, set years after the first film. Batman faces Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Although a third movie was planned, both Burton and Keaton departed from the project that became Batman Forever.
5. Batman '89 (2021)
This comic series, written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, acts as a direct sequel to Batman Returns, set three years later. It features Billy Dee Williams' Harvey Dent transforming into Two-Face and introduces a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, alongside a return of Catwoman.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
Serving as a hypothetical fourth Burton movie, Batman '89: Echoes follows Keaton's missing Bruce Wayne, with Robin and Batgirl facing threats from Scarecrow and Harley Quinn, portrayed as Jeff Goldblum and Madonna, respectively.
7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
While not essential for Burton-Verse enthusiasts, Robert Wuhl briefly reprises his role as Alexander Knox in this crossover, set on Earth-89, where he's seen amidst the chaos of red skies over Gotham.
8. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, The Flash provided 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, portrayed by Michael Shannon.
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 considered sequels to Burton's films, despite the absence of Burton and Keaton. The presence of characters like Commissioner Gordon and Alfred provided some continuity. However, these films are now seen as tonally different and inferior, and with The Flash, they are officially set in a separate DC Universe. The Batman '89 comics are now the canon sequels to Batman Returns, detailing Keaton's Bruce Wayne's journey up to The Flash.
The Canceled Batgirl Movie
Warning: this section contains spoilers for The Flash!
Originally, Keaton's Batman was set for a more extended role in the DCEU. An earlier version of The Flash had Keaton's Bruce and Sasha Calle's Supergirl transitioning into the restored DCEU. This led into the now-canceled Batgirl movie, where Keaton played a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon, with J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser also involved. Unfortunately, Batgirl was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, leaving Keaton's final Batman performance unseen.
For more on DC's future, explore why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and every DC movie and series in development.
