Chronological Guide: Tim Burton's Batman Universe

Tim Burton may not have directed a Batman film in over three decades, but his enduring influence on the DC Universe remains undeniable. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's *The Flash* briefly bridged his Batman into the DCEU, yet the Burton-Verse continues to thrive through new comic books and novels, most recently with the announced *Batman: Revolution*. Understanding how to experience the complete Burton-Verse is surprisingly complex, but fear not; this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the interconnected Tim Burton Batman films, novels, and comics.

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

The Scope of the 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—we'll delve into the reasons later.

Acquiring the Tim Burton Batman Collection

While streaming options exist for the films (Max) and comics (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]

Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.

Batman ‘89

Batman ‘89: Echoes

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder for October 15

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Out October 28

Chronological Order of Tim Burton's Batman Universe

(Each entry provides 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 Batman and Batman Returns, featuring Clayface.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Another novel introducing the Burton-Verse's Riddler.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Keaton's Batman confronts Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the Penguin (Danny DeVito).

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

A comic sequel to Batman Returns, featuring Two-Face and 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 appearance by Alexander Knox.

8. The Flash (2023)

Keaton's Batman returns in a multiversal adventure.

The Place of *Batman Forever* and *Batman & Robin*

While initially considered sequels, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are now officially viewed as existing in a separate DC Universe continuity due to their tonal differences and the absence of Burton and Keaton. Batman ‘89 serves as the canon continuation of the Burton-verse.

The Canceled *Batgirl* Movie

(Contains spoilers for The Flash)

The Flash wasn't always meant to be Keaton's final Batman appearance. A canceled Batgirl film, featuring Keaton as an older Batman mentoring Barbara Gordon, was in post-production before being scrapped by Warner Bros.