The men's discus throw event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Giorgio Oberweger earned Italy's first men's discus throw medal with his bronze.

[1] The Republic of China and Liechtenstein each made their debut in the men's discus throw.

The United States made its 10th appearance, having competed in every edition of the Olympic men's discus throw to date.

In qualifying, each athlete received three attempts; those recording a mark of at least 44.00 metres advanced to the final.