The Netflix Android app requires specific video codecs (encoders/decoders) to play H.264/AVC and HEVC video efficiently. Android 4.4.4 lacks native support for modern hardware acceleration paths. While the CPU could decode video, it would drain your battery in 45 minutes and turn your phone into a space heater.
If you are sitting with your Android 4.4.4 device open to this article, follow this decision tree: netflix android 4.4.4
Beyond Netflix, using Android 4.4.4 in the current year poses a significant security risk. The Netflix Android app requires specific video codecs
Android developers use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to make apps talk to the operating system. Google constantly updates these APIs and "deprecates" (kills off) old ones to keep the OS secure and efficient. Eventually, maintaining an app that works on decade-old APIs becomes a burden for developers, leading to bugs and security holes. Buy a cheap Fire TV Stick (or equivalent)
Beyond Netflix, using KitKat in the modern era is a security nightmare.
Netflix protects its content using Google’s Widevine DRM. Android 4.4.4 only supports Widevine Level 3 (software-based security) by default, and even that implementation is now deprecated.
Modern Netflix requires Widevine Level 1 (hardware-based security) for HD or higher, and even SD streaming requires L3 patched to 2023 standards. KitKat’s DRM libraries are so old that Netflix servers reject the handshake.