The 'I Made a New Friend' meme is taken from a poignant scene in the 2001 psychological thriller Donnie Darko, where the titular character tells his mother about his new acquaintance, Frank the Rabbit. When his mother asks if the friend is real or imaginary, Donnie's calm response of 'Imaginary' perfectly captures the film's eerie and surreal tone. In internet culture, this template is used to humorously acknowledge one's own loneliness, talk about imaginary scenarios, or joke about the strange bonds people form with pets, AI bots, or fictional characters. It resonates deeply with fans of the cult classic and the broader relatable meme community.