A "popular franchise" refers to something, like a movie, a video game, or a restaurant, that has gained a lot of attention, fans, and success. It is widely known and loved by many people. Full definition
We are the 7th most popular franchise in the world. (justarsenal.com)
We will be left with more and more sequels of popular franchises, and new developers will never be able to bring their creative ideas to fruition out of fear of bankruptcy. (entertainmentbuddha.com)
They've made mediocre games in popular franchises, and they're going to continue to make them in future. (gamingreinvented.com)