A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same are provided. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a current collector, and a negative active material layer on the current collector. The negative active material layer includes an interpenetrating network, and a negative active material in the interpenetrating network. The interpenetrating network is formed by cross-linking a first polymer having a hydroxyl or amine group and a second polymer having a carboxylic acid group. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery minimizes volume expansion and imparts good cycle-life characteristics and initial formation efficiency.