The men's 1500 metres at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on 15–19 August at the Beijing National Stadium.

[3] The initial winner, Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain, tested positive for the blood-booster CERA and was disqualified on November 18, 2009.

Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain, a semifinalist in 2004, was now the favorite, with the two men who had medalled in both 2000 and 2004 either retired (Hicham El Guerrouj) or competing but injured (Lagat).

The United States made its 25th appearance, most of all nations (having missed only the boycotted 1980 Games).

NOCs were also permitted to enter one athlete providing he had met the B standard (3:39.00) in the same qualifying period.

The field was slightly larger than in past Games, expanding the number of heats from three to four.