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

Tim Burton may not have directed a Batman film in over three decades, but his indelible mark on the DC Universe endures. 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 expand through new comics and novels, including the recently announced Batman: Revolution. Navigating this expanded universe can be tricky, but this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Tim Burton Batman films, novels, and comics.

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

The Expanding Tim Burton Batman Universe

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, seven projects currently reside within Burton's Batman universe: three films, two novels, and two comic book series. This encompasses 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 explain why later.

Where to Find Tim Burton's Batman

While streaming options exist for the films on Max and the Batman '89 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 entry includes a plot summary and mentions key characters.)

1. Batman (1989)

Michael Keaton's early years as Batman against Jack Nicholson's Joker.

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Batman confronts the aftermath of the Joker's reign and the rise of Clayface. Bridges the gap between the first film and Batman Returns.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Introduces the Burton-verse Riddler, Norman Pinkus, amidst growing social unrest in Gotham.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

Batman faces Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the Penguin (Danny DeVito) during a chaotic holiday season.

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

A direct sequel to Batman Returns, three years later, featuring Two-Face and a unique version of Robin.

Learn more about how Batman ‘89 expands the Burton-Verse.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

A follow-up to Batman ‘89, featuring Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

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

A brief cameo by Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox in the Arrowverse crossover.

8. The Flash (2023)

Keaton's older Bruce Wayne makes a final appearance, encountering the Flash and General Zod.

The Status of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin

While initially considered sequels, Batman Forever and Batman & Robin are now officially separated from the Burton-verse due to tonal differences and the absence of Burton and Keaton. The Batman ‘89 comics now provide the canonical continuation of Keaton's Batman story.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

*(Contains spoilers for The Flash)* Keaton's Batman was initially slated for a larger role in the DCEU, potentially appearing in the canceled Batgirl film as a mentor to Barbara Gordon. The project's cancellation remains a significant loss for fans.