Tim Burton may not have directed a Batman film in over three decades, but his dark, gothic vision of Gotham continues to thrive. Michael Keaton’s return as Bruce Wayne in 2023’s The Flash briefly bridged the Burton-Verse with the DCEU, reigniting fan passion for this iconic era. And now, the universe is expanding beyond the big screen through new comics and novels—most notably, the upcoming Batman: Revolution.
With so many entries across film, literature, and print, navigating the full Tim Burton Batman experience has become a complex journey. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Below is a complete guide to every Burton-Verse project, how they connect, and the best way to experience them all in order.
You can also explore our full guide to watching all the Batman movies in order.
How Many Burton-Verse Batman Stories Are There?
As of now, there are seven official entries in Tim Burton’s Batman universe—including upcoming releases. This includes three films, two novels, and two comic series: Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), The Flash (2023), the novels Batman: Resurrection and Batman: Revolution, and the comics Batman ‘89 and Batman ‘89: Echoes.
Notably, Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997) are no longer considered part of the Burton-Verse. While they once appeared to continue the series, their shift in tone and creative direction has led DC to reclassify them as separate from Burton’s continuity. The newer comics and novels now serve as the true sequels to Batman Returns.
Where to Buy Tim Burton’s Batman
While you can stream the original films on Max and read the Batman ‘89 comics on DC Universe Infinite, owning physical copies ensures you can revisit the universe anytime. Here are the best options for collectors and fans:
Batman Favorites Collection [4K UHD + Blu-Ray]
4 Films
Includes Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin.
$90.00 $64.99 at Amazon (save 28%)
Batman '89
$24.99 $15.27 at Amazon (save 39%)
Batman '89: Echoes
$24.99 $22.49 at Amazon (save 10%)
Batman: Resurrection
Preorder for October 15
This novel picks up after the Joker’s death, following Batman as he faces a new threat—Clayface—while navigating the aftermath of his fractured relationship with Vicki Vale. A direct bridge between Batman and Batman Returns.
$30.00 $27.49 at Amazon (save 8%)
Batman: Revolution (Hardcover)
Out October 28
From author John Jackson Miller, this sequel novel introduces Norman Pinkus—the Burton-Verse’s Riddler—a disgruntled copy editor who turns to crime amid growing unrest in Gotham.
$30.00 $27.00 at Amazon (save 10%)
Every Tim Burton Batman Movie and Book in Chronological Order
Each entry below includes a brief plot summary and key characters.
1. Batman (1989)
The film that launched a new era of superhero cinema. Tim Burton’s Batman introduces Michael Keaton as a brooding Bruce Wayne facing off against Jack Nicholson’s chaotic Joker. Set early in Batman’s crimefighting career, the movie blends noir aesthetics with gothic design, setting the tone for the entire universe.
Heroes: Batman
Villains: The Joker
2. Batman: Resurrection (2024)
Written by John Jackson Miller, this novel is set shortly after the events of Batman (1989). It explores the lingering chaos of the Joker’s reign and introduces Clayface as a terrifying new threat. The story also delves into Bruce Wayne’s crumbling relationship with Vicki Vale and teases the arrival of Max Shreck—Christopher Walken’s character from Batman Returns.
Heroes: Batman
Villains: Clayface
3. Batman: Revolution (2025)
Also by John Jackson Miller, this upcoming novel continues the story between Batman and Batman Returns. It centers on Norman Pinkus, a frustrated newspaper editor who transforms into the Riddler, using his intellect to exploit Gotham’s class divide. The book further develops the city’s political and social tensions ahead of the Penguin’s rise.
Heroes: Batman
Villains: The Riddler
4. Batman Returns (1992)
Burton and Keaton return for a darker, more surreal sequel. Set during a twisted holiday season, Batman Returns pits the Dark Knight against Danny DeVito’s grotesque Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s vengeful Catwoman. The film’s gothic carnival atmosphere and psychological depth make it a cult classic.
Heroes: Batman
Villains: Penguin, Catwoman
5. Batman ‘89 (2021)
Set three years after Batman Returns, this six-issue comic series by Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones serves as a spiritual third film. It adapts Burton’s unproduced ideas, including Billy Dee Williams’ Harvey Dent transforming into Two-Face and the introduction of a Robin modeled after Marlon Wayans. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman returns, fulfilling the tease from the end of Batman Returns.
Heroes: Batman, Robin, Batgirl
Villains: Two-Face, Catwoman
Click here to learn more about how Batman ‘89 adds to the Burton-Verse.
6. Batman ‘89: Echoes (2024)
A direct sequel to Batman ‘89, this series reunites Hamm and Quinones for a story that functions as a hypothetical fourth Burton film. Three years later, Bruce Wayne has vanished, leaving Robin and a new Batgirl to face Scarecrow (inspired by Jeff Goldblum) and Harley Quinn (modeled after Madonna). The story explores legacy and identity in the absence of the Dark Knight.
Heroes: Robin, Batgirl
Villains: Scarecrow, Harley Quinn
7. The Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One (2019)
A minor but meaningful cameo for hardcore fans. In the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, Robert Wuhl reprises his role as reporter Alexander Knox on Earth-89. As red skies loom over Gotham, Knox reads a newspaper in a park—an eerie nod to the Burton-Verse’s place in the multiverse.
Note: This is a brief live-action appearance, primarily of interest to completionists.
