How to Watch (and Read) Tim Burton's Batman Universe In Chronological Order

Tim Burton might not have helmed a Batman film in over three decades, but his indelible mark on the DC Universe endures. 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, fueled by new comic book and novel spin-offs like the recently announced Batman: Revolution. Navigating this expanded universe can be tricky, but we've got you covered.

This guide details how the Tim Burton Batman films, novels, and comics interconnect. For a complete look at all Batman movies, see our guide on watching all the Batman movies in order.

The Expanding Burton-Verse

Including the upcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse currently encompasses seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comics. 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. Note that 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin are no longer considered part of this continuity (more on that later).

Where to Find the Burton-Verse

While you can stream Burton's Batman films on Max and read Batman ‘89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, physical copies are always a great option. Here are some places to buy the Burton-Verse movies and books:

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 the Burton-Verse

(Each entry includes a brief plot summary 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 two films, introducing Max Shreck and exploring Bruce Wayne's relationship with Vicki Vale.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Introduces the Burton-Verse's Riddler.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Keaton's Batman battles Catwoman and the Penguin during a chaotic holiday season.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

A comic sequel to Batman Returns, featuring Two-Face and a new Robin.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

A follow-up comic, featuring Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

7. Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)

A brief cameo by Alexander Knox in the Arrowverse crossover.

8. The Flash (2023)

Keaton's older Bruce Wayne makes a final appearance.

The Status of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin

While once considered part of the Burton-Verse due to shared supporting characters, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are now officially separate from the Burton continuity. Batman ‘89 comics serve as the canonical sequels to Batman Returns.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

(Contains spoilers for The Flash)

The Flash wasn't originally intended to be Keaton's final Batman appearance. A canceled Batgirl film would have featured Keaton as a mentor to Barbara Gordon, but the project was scrapped by Warner Bros.