The men's javelin throw event at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on 21 and 23 August at the Beijing National Stadium.

[1] The qualification mark was set at 82.50 metres.

The qualifying standards were 81.80 m (268.37 ft) (A standard) and 77.80 m (255.25 ft) (B standard).

[2] All times are China standard time (UTC+8) Prior to the competition, the existing world record, Olympic record, and world leading mark were as follows: The following new Olympic record was set during this competition: Qualification: 82.50 (Q) or at least 12 best performers (q) advance to the final.