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

Tim Burton's influence on the Batman franchise endures, even though his last directorial effort was over three decades ago. Michael Keaton's return as Bruce Wayne in 2023's The Flash briefly bridged his Batman into the DCEU, but the Burton-Verse continues to expand with new comics and novels, including the recently announced Batman: Revolution. Navigating this expanded universe can be tricky, but this guide clarifies how the films, novels, and comics interconnect.

You can also find our comprehensive guide on watching all the Batman movies in order here.

The Expanding Burton-Verse: A Count

Including the forthcoming Batman: Revolution, the Burton-Verse currently boasts seven projects: three films, two novels, and two comic series. This includes 1989's Batman, 1992's Batman Returns, 2023's The Flash, 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 no longer considered part of this continuity—we'll explain why later.

Acquiring the Burton-Verse

While streaming options exist for the films (Max) and comics (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. Price varies.

Batman ‘89

Price varies.

Batman ‘89: Echoes

Price varies.

Batman: Resurrection

Preorder available. Price varies.

Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)

Release date: October 28. Price varies.

Chronological Order of the Burton-Verse

(Each entry provides a brief plot summary and mentions key characters.)

1. Batman (1989)

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

2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)

Batman confronts Clayface and the aftermath of the Joker's death. Bridges the gap to Batman Returns.

3. Batman: Revolution (2025)

Introduces the Burton-Verse Riddler, Norman Pinkus.

4. Batman Returns (1992)

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

5. Batman ‘89 (2021)

Serves as a sequel to Batman Returns, introducing Two-Face and a version of Robin.

6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)

A hypothetical fourth Burton film, featuring Scarecrow and Harley Quinn.

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

A brief cameo by Alexander Knox in Earth-89.

8. The Flash (2023)

Keaton's older Bruce Wayne makes a final appearance.

The Exclusion 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. Batman ‘89 now provides the canonical continuation of the Burton storyline.

The Canceled Batgirl Movie

(Contains spoilers for The Flash)

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