Tim Burton's influence on the DC Universe continues to resonate, even three decades after his last Batman film. With Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash, fans were treated to a glimpse of Burton's Batman in the DCEU. The Burton-Verse has expanded further through new comic books and novels, including the upcoming Batman: Revolution. Navigating the full scope of the Burton-Verse can be complex, but this guide will help you understand how all the pieces fit together.
You can also explore our comprehensive guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
The Burton-Verse currently encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. These include 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 not considered part of Burton's Batman universe.
Where to Buy Tim Burton's Batman
While Burton's Batman movies are available for streaming on Max and the Batman '89 comics can be read on DC Universe Infinite, physical media remains a popular choice. 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]
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 who appear in that film or book.
1. Batman (1989)
This is the original movie that ignited the Burton-Verse. Michael Keaton's Dark Knight faces off against Jack Nicholson's Joker in this film that sparked a wave of "Bat-Mania" and demonstrated a demand for darker, more mature superhero movies.
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)
Set between the events of Batman and Batman Returns, this novel by Miller introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler, Norman Pinkus, who turns to crime after feeling unappreciated for his crime-solving skills.
4. Batman Returns (1992)
In this sequel, Keaton's Batman battles Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Danny DeVito's Penguin during a tumultuous holiday season in Gotham. Despite plans for a third movie, both Burton and Keaton left the project, which evolved into Batman Forever.
5. Batman '89 (2021)
The Batman '89 comic, set three years after Batman Returns, acts as a sequel to the film. Written by Sam Hamm and illustrated by Joe Quinones, it introduces Billy Dee Williams' Two-Face and a Robin inspired by Marlon Wayans, with Catwoman making a return.
Click here to learn more about how Batman '89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman '89: Echoes (2024)
11 Images
This comic follows three years after Batman '89, with Keaton's Bruce Wayne missing, leaving Robin and Batgirl to face Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.
7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
23 Images
While not essential, Robert Wuhl reprises his role as Alexander Knox in this crossover, briefly shifting focus to Earth-89.
8. The Flash (2023)
Despite its mixed reception, *The Flash* brings closure to Keaton's Batman saga. An older Bruce Wayne is pulled out of retirement by Ezra Miller's Barry Allen to confront 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?
Basketball Forever and Batman & Robin were initially considered sequels to Burton's films, but they are now treated as part of a separate DC Universe. The Batman '89 comics serve as the official 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!
Keaton was set to continue his role in the DCEU with the canceled Batgirl movie, where he would have played a mentor to Leslie Grace's Barbara Gordon. The film, which also featured J.K. Simmons and Brendan Fraser, was canceled during post-production as a tax write-off, marking a significant shift in DC's cinematic plans.
For more on the future of DC movies, find out why Gunn needs to keep Robert Pattinson's Batman out of the DCU and brush up on every DC movie and series in development.
